President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive action against the rising security crisis by declaring a nationwide security emergency and ordering massive recruitment into security forces.
Major Security Overhaul Announced
The President personally announced the emergency measures in response to increasing attacks by bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements across Nigeria. The declaration comes as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the deteriorating security situation that has affected multiple states.
In his statement, President Tinubu authorized the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers, bringing the total police recruitment to 50,000 officers. The military will also undergo significant expansion through new recruitment drives.
Immediate Operational Changes
The President revealed several immediate operational changes, including using National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training facilities for new police recruits. This move aims to rapidly scale up training capacity despite previously approved upgrades to police training institutions.
Officers being withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo crash retraining programs before being redeployed to security-challenged areas. This redeployment strategy is designed to strengthen security presence in regions most affected by criminal activities.
The Department of State Services (DSS) received presidential authorization to fully activate the forest security architecture and deploy all trained forest guards immediately. "The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests," President Tinubu stated.
Comprehensive Security Strategy
Describing the situation as "a national emergency," the President emphasized the federal government's response of "deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas." He warned that "there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil."
The President commended security forces for recent successes, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State. He assured Nigerians that efforts would continue to rescue remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other hostages.
President Tinubu delivered a firm charge to military personnel, praising their courage and sacrifice while demanding they "remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity." He emphasized there must be "no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence."
Broader Security Measures
The administration will provide federal support to states with existing security outfits and has urged the National Assembly to begin legislative review for state police establishment. The President also cautioned against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and advised religious institutions to seek security protection during gatherings.
Addressing farmer-herder conflicts, President Tinubu pointed to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and called on herder associations to "end open grazing and embrace ranching." He emphasized that "ranching is now the path forward" and urged herders to surrender illegal weapons.
The President expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
In a rallying call to Nigerians, President Tinubu urged unity and vigilance: "I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair... Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win."
