President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Armed Forces and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen operations across the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the president announced that the Nigeria Police Force would recruit 20,000 more officers, bringing the ongoing recruitment total to 50,000.
The measure comes amid escalating security challenges in several states.
Tinubu also authorised the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training depots while existing facilities are upgraded.
Officers previously withdrawn from VIP protection duties are to undergo rapid retraining before redeployment to high-risk areas.
The president further approved the deployment of trained forest guards by the Department of State Services (DSS) to combat terrorists and bandits, with additional recruitment planned to secure forested regions.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said.
He praised security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, promising continued efforts to free remaining hostages in Niger and other states.
Tinubu also called for support of state-level security outfits and urged the National Assembly to review laws to allow states that require them to establish state police.
He advised caution in siting boarding schools in remote areas and encouraged religious centers in vulnerable communities to seek stronger protection.
Addressing herder-farmer conflicts, the president urged herder associations to adopt ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
He also expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” Tinubu warned, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
