Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders 50,000 Police Recruits

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered a major expansion of the Nigerian Police Force and Armed Forces to address the rise in kidnappings, bandit attacks and terrorism across the country.

Under the new directive, the police will recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing the total to 50,000, while officers removed from VIP duties will receive intensive training before being sent to high-risk areas. National Youth Service Corps camps will also serve as temporary training facilities to speed up the process.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is authorized to deploy trained forest guards and recruit more personnel to flush out criminals hiding in the forests, with the President declaring that “there will be no more hiding places for the agents of evil.”

Tinubu commended security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolchildren in Kebbi State and 38 worshipers in Kwara State, stressing that continued efforts will focus on releasing the remaining hostages, including students in Niger State. He urged state governments, religious institutions and citizens to collaborate with security agencies, maintain vigilance and ensure security in vulnerable areas.

Addressing the conflict between herders and farmers, the President encouraged the adoption of livestock farming instead of open grazing and called on herder associations to hand over illegal weapons and cooperate with authorities to achieve sustainable peace.

The President also honored fallen soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, while warning criminals that government restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. He highlighted the collective responsibility of Nigerians to uphold the security, freedom and values ​​of the nation.

By declaring a nationwide security emergency and ordering the mass recruitment of police and armed forces personnel, Tinubu signals a decisive shift in Nigeria’s security strategy, focusing on manpower, intelligence and community protection to restore law and order across the country.