Segun Atanda/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures that will dramatically expand Nigeria’s security architecture as the country confronts rising terrorist and bandit attacks across multiple states.
In a strongly worded statement, the President authorised fresh mass recruitment into the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), while directing an immediate redeployment of personnel to front-line operations
Tinubu announced that the Nigeria Police Force has been cleared to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total number of new police intakes to 50,000 nationwide.
To fast-track the process, he authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary police training depots, alongside already upgraded police training facilities.
The President also ordered that police officers earlier withdrawn from VIP protection duties must undergo crash retraining before their deployment to volatile regions where security remains fragile.
The Nigerian Army received authorisation to expand its ranks immediately, while the DSS was instructed to deploy its already trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding within Nigeria’s forests.
“The agency has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the President declared.
Labeling the moment as critical, Tinubu called for “all hands on deck,” urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” he said.
The President commended the military, police, and intelligence agencies for the recent rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, pledging continued efforts to free the remaining abducted students in Niger State and others still in captivity.
Tinubu issued a stern directive to the leadership and rank and file of all security services to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
The President urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states seeking to establish state police to legally do so. He also reaffirmed federal support for state-backed security outfits already operating across the country.
He advised state governments to reconsider the location of boarding schools in remote areas and urged religious institutions to request security protection, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Reiterating the purpose behind creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the President urged herders to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing, and surrender illegal arms.
“Herders must take advantage of the Livestock Ministry… Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
Tinubu offered condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid special tribute to Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was killed alongside his troops in Borno.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he warned.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain calm, avoid fear, report suspicious activities, and stand united.
“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win. May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” he added.
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