President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and approved an immediate expansion of Nigeria’s security personnel in response to escalating threats across multiple regions of the country.
The President announced the decision in a national address from the State House, stating that the measure is necessary to restore stability and protect vulnerable communities.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising ongoing recruitment to 50,000 personnel.
The Nigerian Army has also received presidential approval to expand its ranks, with details expected to be issued through the Defence Headquarters.
Tinubu said police officers currently assigned to VIP protection will undergo accelerated retraining and be redeployed to frontline operations in high-risk areas.
To support immediate manpower needs, the President authorised the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps as training depots for police recruits.
The President also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to clear insurgent and bandit hideouts across Nigeria’s forests.
The DSS has been granted further approval to recruit additional personnel to strengthen rural surveillance and forest protection.
Tinubu described the move as a decisive response to a “national emergency,” stressing that the deployment of more boots on the ground is central to restoring peace.
He urged citizens to work collaboratively with security agencies by remaining vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and supporting ongoing operations.
The President commended security operatives for the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State.
He assured families awaiting reunification that the government is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining abducted students in Niger State and other Nigerians still held hostage.
Tinubu also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in recent operations, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and extended condolences to citizens affected by attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.
He urged the National Assembly to begin the process of reviewing Nigeria’s laws to allow states seeking to establish state police to do so.
He further advised state governments to avoid locating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and encouraged religious institutions in vulnerable zones to seek police protection for large gatherings.
On lingering herder–farmer conflicts, Tinubu reiterated that the administration’s newly established Ministry of Livestock Development is intended to provide long-term solutions.
He called on herder associations to adopt ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons, emphasising that sustainable livestock practices are essential for national harmony.
The President stressed that the administration’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, affirming that the government has the determination and capability to defend the country.
He appealed to Nigerians to reject fear, remain united, and support the renewed security push.
Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and providing full support to security formations across federal and state levels.
