President Bola Tinubu has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to locate and neutralize terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across Nigeria. The directive comes as part of a nationwide security emergency declared on Wednesday, alongside orders for the army and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen national security.

Sunday Dare, a media aide to the President, shared the statement announcing the orders. “The DSS has my authority to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency is also instructed to recruit additional personnel to man these forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the statement said.

Earlier reports from SaharaReporters highlighted that Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to review laws to permit states to establish their own police forces, as part of broader efforts to curb insecurity. “Our administration will support state governments that have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from terrorists bent on disrupting national peace,” Tinubu said.

In addition to calling for legal reforms, Tinubu announced a new round of recruitment for the armed forces and police. The police are set to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total number of new recruits to 50,000. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps will be used as temporary training facilities, especially for officers being withdrawn from VIP protection duties, who will undergo crash training before deployment to security-challenged areas.

The President commended security agencies for recent successful operations, including the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, while urging continued vigilance to secure other Nigerians still in captivity. He also advised caution regarding the establishment of boarding schools in remote areas and recommended that religious institutions seek police protection for gatherings in vulnerable locations.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu ordered security forces to set up cordons around forests in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states. According to the Presidency, “The Air Force has been directed to expand air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara State where terrorists are believed to be hiding. They are to maintain 24-hour surveillance and coordinate with ground units. This directive also applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis, where many are expected to be rescued.”