BREAKING: Tinubu declares nationwide security emergency, orders massive recruitment into Police, Army

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency as part of fresh measures to address the country’s worsening insecurity.

The President also authorised the police and the army to recruit more personnel immediately.

He further urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing existing laws to allow interested states to establish their own police forces.

In a statement personally signed by him, President Tinubu directed the Department of State Services, DSS, to deploy all already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country. He also authorised the agency to recruit additional personnel for the same purpose.

Tinubu stated: “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. By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

He said that although he previously approved the upgrade of police training facilities nationwide, police authorities are now permitted to use NYSC camps as training centres.

The President also ordered that police officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training before being redeployed to high-risk areas.

On the DSS deployment, he said: “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. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

Tinubu described the situation as a national emergency requiring all citizens to participate in securing the nation. He commended security agencies for securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, while assuring that efforts to rescue the remaining abducted students in Niger State and other captives will continue.

He praised the armed forces for their sacrifices, charging them to remain disciplined and committed to restoring peace. He vowed that his administration will support state-owned security outfits where necessary.

Tinubu urged the National Assembly to review laws to allow states that need state police to establish them.

He advised state governments to avoid locating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and encouraged mosques and churches in vulnerable communities to work closely with security agencies.

Speaking on the farmer-herder crisis, the President called on herder groups to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal arms. He said the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development will help provide lasting solutions.

Tinubu sympathised with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, and honoured soldiers who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

Warning those testing the government’s resolve, he said: “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.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, report suspicious activities, and stay united.