Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment Drive

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at boosting the country’s security architecture and tackling the escalating wave of terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry across several states.

In a statement from the State House, the President announced immediate additional recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force to increase manpower deployment to troubled areas. Under the new directive, the police are authorised to recruit 20,000 more officers, raising the ongoing recruitment figure to 50,000.

Tinubu also granted approval for the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots to fast-track police capacity-building. Officers previously assigned to VIP security duties are to undergo crash retraining programmes before redeployment to frontline regions.

The President further ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy its already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists hiding in forested corridors across the country. The agency has also been directed to commence fresh recruitment to reinforce its operations in rural and vulnerable locations.

“This is a national emergency,” the President said. “We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck.”

Tinubu commended the coordinated efforts of security agencies in securing the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara. He assured that ongoing operations to free the remaining abducted students in Niger State and other captives would continue unabated.

To the Armed Forces, Tinubu offered firm words of encouragement and accountability: “I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, collusion, or negligence.”

He reiterated his administration’s readiness to support states that have established security outfits and urged the National Assembly to commence the legal framework for state police, noting that several states have expressed readiness for decentralised policing.

On the recurrent herder-farmer clashes, the President appealed to herders’ associations to embrace ranching, take advantage of the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development, and surrender illegal firearms.

Tinubu also cautioned state governments against situating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security, and advised religious institutions in vulnerable zones to maintain close communication with security agencies.

The President sympathised with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was recently killed in action.

“Those who want to test our resolve should not mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep Nigeria safe.”

The President urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies, saying: “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

The address concluded with a prayer for the nation and its armed forces.