President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling the most extensive security mobilisation plan of his administration in response to what he described as Nigeria’s “emerging and urgent security situation.”
In a statement personally signed by the President on Wednesday, Tinubu issued sweeping directives to reinforce Nigeria’s defence and internal security architecture, authorising immediate recruitment across key security agencies and granting emergency powers to deploy personnel into crisis zones.
President Tinubu said the decision followed persistent attacks by terrorists and bandits in several states, stressing that Nigeria must now “deploy more boots on the ground.”
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the President stated.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force is authorised to recruit 20,000 additional officers, raising the total number of new personnel to 50,000.
Tinubu also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps nationwide as temporary police training depots, stating:
“The police authorities are authorised to use various NYSC camps as training depots.”
In a further shake-up, security officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties will undergo “crash training” before redeployment to frontline areas.
The President also issued a direct order to the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards immediately and begin urgent recruitment of additional personnel.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu vowed.
“The DSS has my authority to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits.”
Tinubu praised the coordinated efforts of the armed forces and security agencies in rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
He also reassured Nigerians that efforts would continue until all abducted students—including those from the Catholic school in Niger State—are safely returned.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice,” he said.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”
The President threw his weight behind state-run security outfits and urged the National Assembly to revisit legislation that would enable states to establish their own police forces where necessary.
“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” he stated.
He also cautioned states against establishing boarding schools in remote areas without sufficient protection.
Addressing ongoing farmer–herder clashes, Tinubu reiterated that the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock Development was intended to provide lasting solutions.
He urged herder groups to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he asserted.
The President condoled with families affected by recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States and paid tribute to fallen military personnel, including the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He warned criminal elements not to misinterpret government restraint as weakness:
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and united.
“I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The President concluded with a call for collective resolve:
“Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values.”
The nationwide security emergency takes immediate effect.
