President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing a major scale-up of personnel across Nigeria’s security agencies in response to rising insecurity.

In a statement personally signed by him, the President announced that the Nigeria Police Force will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing total new recruitment to 50,000 personnel. He also authorised the conversion of NYSC camps into training depots for police officers withdrawn from VIP escorts, who will undergo crash training before deployment to high-risk areas.

Tinubu further ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to clear terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests, while also approving fresh recruitment to strengthen the operation.

“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” the President said.

Tinubu commended security agencies for securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara State, assuring families of students still held hostage in Niger State that efforts to rescue them continue.

“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice. Remain resolute. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he said.

The President also urged the National Assembly to review existing laws to allow states that desire state police to establish their own forces. He advised schools, churches, and mosques in vulnerable areas to strengthen security arrangements.

Addressing the recurring clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ranching and sustainable livestock management under the Ministry of Livestock Development, while urging herders’ associations to surrender illegal arms.

Expressing sympathy to families affected by recent violence, Tinubu paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“I sympathise with families who have lost loved ones in recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. Those who test our resolve should not mistake restraint for weakness,” he said.

The emergency declaration follows a series of deadly incidents, including the killing of at least five people in Kebbi and Kwara, and the abduction of over 300 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Kebbi and Niger States.