Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment into Armed Forces

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating attacks, killings, and abductions across the country.

In a personally signed statement, the President directed the Nigerian Armed Forces and the police to begin immediate large-scale recruitment. The police are to enlist an additional 20,000 officers, raising their strength to 50,000. He also authorised the use of NYSC camps as training centres and ordered officers withdrawn from VIP protection to undergo crash retraining for deployment to high-risk areas.

Tinubu further instructed the DSS to deploy trained forest guards and recruit more personnel to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests, stressing that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

The President applauded the security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara, while assuring continued efforts to free remaining hostages, including abducted students in Niger State.

He urged the military to remain disciplined and uncompromising, assuring them of full government support. Tinubu also reiterated federal backing for state-run security outfits.

Calling on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states to establish state police where necessary, he advised states to reconsider siting boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security and urged religious centres to seek regular protection during gatherings.

Tinubu appealed to herders to embrace ranching and cooperate with the newly created Livestock Ministry, noting that open grazing must end for lasting peace.

He expressed sympathy to families of victims killed in recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba.

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Warning that the government’s resolve should not be mistaken for weakness, he urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and stand united.

The declaration comes amid rising fears following deadly attacks and the abduction of more than 300 schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.