President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the escalating insecurity across Nigeria. The President also ordered an expansion of personnel in the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security operations.
In a statement issued today, Tinubu directed the police to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, increasing the force to a total of 50,000 personnel. He further authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training facilities, and instructed officers withdrawn from VIP duties to undergo crash training before redeployment to security-challenged areas.
The President also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits, while also recruiting additional personnel to secure vulnerable areas. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he stated.
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Tinubu commended security agencies for their role in recent rescue operations, including the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, promising sustained efforts to free remaining hostages, including students abducted in Niger State.
The President urged state governments to strengthen local security measures, rethink the establishment of boarding schools in remote areas, and ensure places of worship have adequate protection. He called on herder associations to adopt ranching, surrender illegal weapons, and collaborate with the Federal Government to prevent farmers-herders clashes.
Paying tribute to fallen security personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, Tinubu appealed to Nigerians not to give in to fear. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies, emphasizing that “we are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The President concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, maintaining national peace, and guaranteeing the safety and freedom of all Nigerians.