President Bola Tinubu has issued a decisive call to herders across Nigeria, demanding an immediate end to open grazing and the surrender of all illegal weapons. This directive forms a critical part of a broad national security emergency declared to address a devastating wave of banditry and kidnappings.
Nationwide Security Emergency Declared
The President's statement, delivered on Wednesday, November 26, comes as a direct response to a series of brutal attacks that have shaken the nation. Over 300 pupils and 15 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s School in the Agwara local government area of Niger State. This horrific incident was part of a coordinated assault that also saw students kidnapped in Kebbi and church worshippers abducted in Kwara state.
While some of the victims from Kwara and Kebbi have since regained their freedom, the situation remains dire. As of the President's address, 315 students and teachers from the St. Mary’s School attack are still being held captive. The president attributed a significant portion of the country's insecurity to the persistent clashes between herders and farmers.
Ranching as the New Path Forward
In a strategic move to resolve this long-standing conflict, President Tinubu highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock. He stated that this ministry will coordinate the national transition from open grazing to modern ranching practices. "Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony," the President's statement read.
He further assured that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, is committed to solving this problem "once and for all." This policy shift is intended to curb the movement of armed herders and reduce violent confrontations with farming communities.
Massive Security Mobilization Underway
Beyond the pastoral reforms, President Tinubu announced an aggressive security mobilization plan. He has authorized the immediate recruitment of additional personnel into the armed forces and the police force. The Nigeria Police Force is expected to recruit an additional 20,000 officers.
In a significant operational shift, police officers previously assigned to VIP guard duties are being withdrawn. These officers are to undergo "crash training" before being redeployed to security-prone areas across the country to bolster public safety.
Furthermore, the President has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards. Their mission is to flush out terrorists and bandits who have been using the nation's vast forest reserves as hideouts. The DSS has also been mandated to embark on a new recruitment drive to enhance its capacity.
President Tinubu concluded by pledging federal support for state-backed security outfits, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting citizens from those "bent on disrupting our national peace."
