President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Nigerian Police and the Armed Forces to recruit additional personnel to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued from the State House, the President ordered the police to recruit 20,000 new officers, bringing the total planned intake to 50,000. He also authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities for the recruits.
Tinubu warned that criminals should not mistake restraint for weakness, vowing decisive action against all security threats. He called for national unity, vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies, stressing that “we are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The President further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in the nation’s forests. He also instructed the agency to recruit additional personnel to secure forested areas, stressing that there would be no more hiding places for criminals.
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the statement read.
“By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000. Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various NYSC camps as training depots. Officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to ensure effective deployment to security-challenged areas.”
The President commended security agencies for their recent operations, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and pledged continued efforts to free other Nigerians still held hostage, including students of a Catholic school in Niger State.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice. There must be no compromise, collusion, or negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support needed to succeed,” Tinubu added.