President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, introducing major reforms and rapid recruitment across Nigeria’s security agencies to combat the growing wave of terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes.
The announcement was released from the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, outlining urgent steps to strengthen security operations nationwide.
20,000 New Police Recruits, NYSC Camps to Serve as Training Centres
President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, raising the total workforce to 50,000 personnel.
He also directed the Nigeria Police Force to convert NYSC orientation camps into temporary police training depots to fast-track deployment.
Officers currently serving in VIP security roles will undergo a mandatory crash retraining programme before being reassigned to critical security hotspots.
DSS Deploys Forest Guards Nationwide
The Department of State Services (DSS) has been instructed to immediately deploy trained forest guards to identify and dismantle terrorist hideouts across the country.
The DSS will also carry out fresh recruitment to expand operations in remote and high-risk regions.
Tinubu described the initiative as a decisive move to secure rural communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups.
President Commends Recent Rescue Operations
President Tinubu praised security operatives for the rescue of:
24 schoolchildren in Kebbi State
38 worshippers in Kwara State
He assured Nigerians that efforts to free more abducted victims—including students kidnapped in Niger State—remain a top priority.
States May Soon Establish Their Own Police Forces
Tinubu called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing legislation that would allow willing states to create state policing structures.
He urged state governments to strengthen security around boarding schools and encouraged religious centres in vulnerable communities to request regular protection.
Addressing Farmer–Herder Conflict
Speaking on recurring clashes between farmers and herders, Tinubu emphasized that the Ministry of Livestock Development will play a crucial role in ending open grazing.
He advised herder associations to adopt ranching systems and surrender illegal firearms.
President Condoles With Victims Across Several States
Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in:
Kebbi
Zamfara
Niger
Borno
Yobe
Kwara
He also honored fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who died fighting to protect the country.
Tinubu: “Government Restraint Should Not Be Mistaken for Weakness”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity and warned those attempting to destabilize the nation.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and united, stressing that national security is a shared responsibility.
