President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed fresh large-scale recruitments into the Nigerian Army and Police following a sharp rise in kidnappings, bandit attacks, and violent clashes across northern and central states.

The President’s declaration comes amid growing public outrage over the escalating wave of insecurity.

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50,000 Police Recruits Approved, NYSC Camps to Serve as Training Centres

In a statement, Tinubu authorised the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, raising the total number of new recruits for 2025 to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track deployment.

“In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” Tinubu announced.
“The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

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VIP Security Officers to Be Redeployed; DSS to Strengthen Forest Operations

Tinubu directed that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection undergo accelerated retraining before being deployed to vulnerable communities.

He also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy forest-trained operatives to root out bandits and terrorists hiding in forest belts, alongside recruiting new personnel to bolster these specialised operations.

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Tinubu Commends Security Agencies for Recent Rescues

The President praised the coordinated efforts that led to the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State.

He added that operations were ongoing to secure students abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State and other Nigerians still in captivity.

“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” Tinubu said. “The Nigerian people are counting on you.”

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Push for State Police, Stronger Local Security

Tinubu urged state governments to strengthen their internal security frameworks and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing legislation to enable the creation of state police where necessary.

He also advised boarding schools in remote areas, as well as religious institutions, to prioritise adequate security.

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Ending Open Grazing: ‘Ranching Is the Path Forward’

On the long-running herder–farmer conflict, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending open grazing.

He urged herder associations to take advantage of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, surrender illegal weapons, and embrace ranching.

“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.

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Sympathy for Victims, Warning to Criminal Groups

Tinubu expressed condolences to families affected by attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”

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‘We Are in This Fight Together’

The President ended his address by urging citizens to remain alert and cooperative with security agencies.

“Do not give in to fear and never succumb to despair,” Tinubu said.
“Report suspicious activities. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”