Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling a sweeping set of directives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture amid escalating violence across multiple states.
In a statement issued from the State House, the President ordered the police, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) to embark on accelerated recruitment drives, alongside major operational shifts designed to boost rapid response capacity in hard-hit regions.
Join our WhatsApp Channel
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force is authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers bringing total new intakes to 50,000 while also receiving permission to convert National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps into training depots to speed up manpower development.
Tinubu further instructed that police personnel currently assigned to VIP guard duties be withdrawn and subjected to crash retraining before redeployment to frontline areas. The measure, he said, is intended to improve efficiency and address manpower shortages in security-challenged communities.
The DSS was also given clearance to immediately deploy forest guards already trained under its internal security programme, with a mandate to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in major forest corridors. The agency was further authorised to recruit additional personnel for expanded forest operations.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said. “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
READ ALSO :
- Prof. Akinyemi to President Tinubu: Declare State of Emergency, Strip Governors of Immunity, Deploy Military Tribunals with Death Penalty for Terrorists
- Nigeria at a Crossroads: Ethics Group Urges Immediate National Reforms as Insecurity, Corruption and Religious Abuse Spiral
- Sen Sani, Obi Mourn Brig. Gen. Uba, Call for Stronger Action Against Terrorism
The President commended security agencies for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State. He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to free students still held in Niger State and other abducted Nigerians.
Addressing the Armed Forces, Tinubu paid tribute to troops killed in recent operations, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and charged military leadership to intensify operations across all theatres.
“I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity,” he said. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you.”
The President also threw his support behind states that have established local security outfits, urging the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable states that desire it to set up their own police forces.
He advised states to reassess the siting of boarding schools in unsecured remote areas and encouraged religious centres in vulnerable communities to prioritise security coverage during worship.
On farmer–herder clashes, Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration created the Livestock Ministry to provide a sustainable alternative to open grazing. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching and surrender illegal arms.
Tinubu condoled with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, warning that those responsible for violence should not misread the government’s previous restraint.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”
The President’s declaration marks one of the most far-reaching security directives of his administration, setting the stage for a significant expansion of Nigeria’s internal security manpower and a more aggressive push against armed groups nationwide.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
