President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling a sweeping set of measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
In a statement issued from the State House, the President approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers, raising the total number of new personnel currently being processed to 50,000. To fast-track the deployment, Tinubu directed that NYSC camps be converted into temporary training depots, ensuring recruits are rapidly prepared for field operations.
As part of the reforms, police officers earlier withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo accelerated retraining before being reassigned to high-risk areas where manpower is urgently needed.
The President also ordered the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to dislodge terrorists and bandits from their hideouts nationwide. He further approved additional recruitment to reinforce the security architecture in vulnerable regions.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” President Tinubu vowed, signaling a tougher posture against criminal networks.
Tinubu praised security operatives for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured the nation that operations would continue relentlessly until all remaining captives—such as students kidnapped in Niger State—are safely returned.
The President charged the armed forces to maintain discipline and professionalism, reaffirming that the Federal Government will fully support state security outfits in their operations. He also urged the National Assembly to review existing laws to enable states establish state police where necessary.
Additionally, Tinubu appealed to religious institutions and schools in high-risk areas to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to prevent further attacks.
The nationwide emergency marks one of the administration’s boldest moves yet in its bid to restore stability and safeguard citizens across the country.
