Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders 20,000 Police Recruitment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, saying Nigeria must move swiftly and carefully to confront terrorists and bandit groups threatening vulnerable communities across the federation.

The President personally signed a statement on Wednesday after reviewing Nigeria’s security landscape, an announcement that landed like a command-level directive to the armed institutions and civilians alike.

“This is a national emergency,” Tinubu stated. “The times require all hands on deck.”

In the same statement, he authorised fresh recruitment into the Armed Forces and Nigeria Police Force to expand manpower and training nodes beyond conventional facilities.

‘Police and Army Are Authorised to Recruit More Personnel’

Tinubu confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army may increase personnel numbers to strengthen frontline deployments.

He directed that the Nigeria Police Force recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing the total approved recruitment to 50,000 officers.

“The police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel,” he said.

“The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

Though the President had earlier approved the nationwide upgrade of police training structures, he said Nigeria must now rethink how recruits are prepared and where.

NYSC Camps to Serve as Police Training Depots

Acknowledging the strain on existing training facilities, Tinubu authorised the conversion of select NYSC camps into police training depots as part of a crash-scale solution.

“The police will recruit… and use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots,” he declared.

The decision signals that Nigeria is expanding its security sourcing and training pipelines to deepen capacity before festive pressure sets in.

‘No Hiding Place For Agents of Evil’ – Tinubu

The President spelt out that the security agencies should seize the forests, reclaim physical and psychological territory, and use trained local guard networks to flush criminals from hideouts.

“The DSS also has my directive to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.”

Then came his strongest assurance yet: “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he warned.

Tinubu directed that military officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties undergo crash training and be redeployed to states facing attacks on soft targets.

“Officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training before redeployment to security-challenged areas,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria must avoid past errors where civilians paid the price for compromised intelligence or flawed precision.

With criticism fueling speculation that the presidency had been slow to fill strategic security prerogatives, Tinubu urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to allow states that demand state police to establish them constitutionally.

“The National Assembly should begin reviewing laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” Tinubu said, adding that boarding schools and prayer gatherings in remote areas must now rethink their security assumptions.

Tinubu commended the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, noting that more rescue operations will continue without pause.

“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and all Nigerians still being held hostage,” he said.

Recalling long-running farmer-herder clashes in the North-West, North-East and parts of the North-Central, Tinubu reminded Nigerians why the Livestock Ministry was created.

“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it. End open grazing. Surrender illegal weapons,” he urged.

Then he stated clearly what the government expects to happen next: “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”

Addressing the Armed Forces leadership, Tinubu said: “I commend your courage and your sacrifice. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you. This administration will provide the support you need to succeed.”

Tinubu paid tribute to civilians and soldiers affected by attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, Yobe, and Kwara, extending condolences to bereaved families.

He also paid tribute to fallen officers: “I sympathise with families that have lost loved ones in recent attacks. I pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. I also salute the courage of our fallen hero Brigadier-General Musa Uba.”

He added a warning to Nigeria’s adversaries: “Those who test our resolve should never mistake restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage to keep citizens safe.”

Tinubu ended the statement with a unifying appeal to Nigerians at home and abroad: “Do not give in to fear. Do not give in to despair. Report suspicious movements. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”