President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian ...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately scale up recruitment and expand operations in response to escalating insecurity across the country.
In a national address, President Tinubu authorised the police to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total number of new intakes to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots to fast-track the intake process.
The President further ordered that police officers earlier withdrawn from VIP protection duties be retrained and redeployed to high-risk areas.
“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” he said, adding that the times “require all hands on deck.”
DSS to Deploy Forest Guards, Recruit More Personnel
Tinubu confirmed that the Department of State Services has been authorised to immediately deploy trained forest guards to combat terrorists and bandits operating in forested regions. The agency will also recruit additional personnel to tighten control of porous areas.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
Commends Security Agencies, Calls for Continued Rescue Efforts
The President praised security agencies for securing the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He urged continued efforts to rescue abducted students of a Catholic school in Niger State and others still in captivity.
He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba, and expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.
Support for State Security Outfits, Push for State Police
Tinubu encouraged state governments that have established local security outfits, pledging federal support to boost their operations. He also urged the National Assembly to begin legislative processes enabling states to create their own police forces.
The President advised states to reconsider running boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security, and called on mosques and churches—especially in vulnerable communities—to work more closely with security agencies.
Ends Open Grazing, Urges Herders to Embrace Ranching
Reiterating his administration’s efforts to resolve herder–farmer conflicts, Tinubu appealed to herders to embrace ranching and take advantage of the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said, urging herders to surrender illegal firearms.
“We Will Not Be Weak” — President Warns Criminal Groups
Tinubu warned criminal elements not to misinterpret government restraint for weakness, stating that the administration remains determined to restore peace nationwide.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said.
Calls for Calm and Vigilance
The President urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, stressing unity and collective responsibility in confronting national threats.
“Let us stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values,” he said.
No comments