President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a National Security Emergency, unveiling an extensive set of measures aimed at confronting the escalating wave of insecurity across the country. In a nationwide address, the president announced sweeping reforms, massive recruitment drives, and the redeployment of security resources as part of what he described as a “total reset” of Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
Under the emergency directives, the Nigerian Police Force is to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the ongoing expansion to 50,000 new officers. The president also approved urgent recruitment across the Armed Forces, with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps designated to serve as temporary training facilities to fast-track readiness.
In a significant shift, security officers currently assigned to VIP protection will be retrained and redeployed to hot-spot areas nationwide. The Department of State Services (DSS) has been ordered to immediately deploy its trained forest guards and begin further recruitment to clear terrorists, kidnappers, and bandit enclaves across Nigeria’s forests.
President Tinubu commended recent rescue operations, including the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, pledging that ongoing efforts would continue until all abducted citizens are safely reunited with their families.
To strengthen grassroots security, the president promised full federal backing for state-level security outfits and urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments to permit states that are ready to establish their own police forces.
He also advised state governments to re-evaluate the operation of boarding schools in remote or vulnerable areas, while religious centres were encouraged to maintain constant security oversight.
Addressing recurring farmer-herder conflicts, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing reforms through the new Ministry of Livestock Development. He urged herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal weapons.
The president paid tribute to fallen security personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in multiple states.
Warning criminal groups that “restraint must never be mistaken for weakness,” Tinubu vowed decisive action in the coming weeks as security agencies intensify operations.
“The safety of every Nigerian is my paramount duty,” he declared. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The president called for national unity, increased vigilance, and cooperation with security agencies as the government moves to restore stability across the country.
