Nigeria has declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered a major expansion of its police and military personnel as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responds to rising insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced that the Nigeria Police Force will recruit 20,000 additional officers, increasing its operational strength to 50,000.
Training for the new recruits will be conducted in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, while officers currently assigned to VIP protection will be reassigned and retrained for frontline deployment in high-risk areas.
The President further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to confront terrorists and bandits operating from forested hideouts. The DSS has also been granted clearance to recruit more personnel to reinforce counter-terror operations.
Calling the situation a “national emergency,” President Tinubu said Nigeria must mobilise all available resources to restore public safety.
“We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck,” he said. “As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
President Tinubu praised security agencies for recent rescue missions, including the liberation of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He also pledged sustained efforts to free students and civilians still held captive in Niger State and other regions affected by kidnapping and insurgency.
On military operations, the President commended the armed forces for their “courage and sacrifice” and warned that his administration would not tolerate misconduct, collusion or negligence in the fight against insecurity.
Mr. Tinubu expressed support for state governments that have established local security outfits, emphasising federal collaboration to strengthen community-level protection.
He also urged the National Assembly to expedite legislative reforms that would allow states to establish state police forces, a long-debated security measure in Nigeria.
Communities were encouraged to improve security around schools, mosques, churches and other vulnerable public areas.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving the long-running herder–farmer conflict, urging herders to adopt ranching practices and voluntarily surrender illegal weapons. These efforts, he said, would be supported through Nigeria’s newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.
Tinubu extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” Tinubu warned. “Our administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”
The President called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies as the government moves to stabilise national security and strengthen unity across the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
