BREAKING: President Tinubu declares Nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment of Soldiers Policemen

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to rising violent attacks across the country, unveiling a series of sweeping directives including expanded recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, activation of forest guards, and tighter security protocols in vulnerable areas.

In a statement personally issued, President Tinubu said, “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 directive authorises both the police and the army to recruit additional personnel. “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” he confirmed.

The President further instructed that the police could utilise National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots.

He noted that while upgrades to police training institutions had previously been approved, the current security reality demanded an immediate expansion of capacity.

He also mandated that officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties must undergo crash retraining. According to him, the exercise is to “debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”

Tinubu empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to fully activate forest security measures. “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,” he said, adding that the agency is also authorised to recruit additional personnel. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the President affirmed.

Describing the situation as “a national emergency,” Tinubu said the federal government was responding by “deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.” He appealed to citizens to contribute to national safety, stating, “the times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

The President commended security forces for recent successes, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State. “We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage,” he assured.

Addressing military personnel nationwide, he offered a firm charge: “I commend your courage and your sacrifice… I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.” He added that his administration would provide full support to ensure their success.

Tinubu also promised federal backing to states with existing security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin legislative review enabling states to establish state police where needed.

He cautioned against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and advised religious institutions to “constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”

On the issue of farmer-herder conflicts, the President highlighted the Ministry of Livestock Development and urged herder groups to abandon open grazing, stating, “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward.”

Tinubu 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. “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace,” he warned.

In a rallying call to Nigerians, he urged unity and vigilance, saying, “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.”