JUST IN: PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES NATIONWIDE SECURITY EMERGENCY, ORDERS MASSIVE RECRUITMENT INTO ARMY, POLICE, AND SECURITY AGENCIES

Nigeria entered a new phase of national security mobilization on Wednesday evening as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially declared a Nationwide Security Emergency in response to the escalating wave of violent attacks, kidnappings, and insurgent operations across the country. The President’s sweeping directive, announced in a detailed statement released to journalists, mandates an immediate and unprecedented expansion of the Nigerian Army, Police, and other security outfits.

According to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Police Force is to commence a massive recruitment exercise using all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps nationwide as temporary training depots, while the Nigerian Army is equally authorized to increase its personnel strength to match the urgent demands of the current security landscape.

The President’s statement read in full:

“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. By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

Expanding on the training measures for the upcoming influx of officers, Tinubu added:

“Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots. The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”

The President also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy already-trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits taking refuge in thick forest zones:

“The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

Addressing the nation with a tone of urgency and resolve, President Tinubu emphasized that the decision marks a pivotal turning point in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity:

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

The President commended security operatives for recent rescue successes, including the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to rescuing those still in captivity:

“Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State.

“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.

“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself.”

Tinubu charged all security personnel to uphold the highest levels of discipline and integrity in the renewed national campaign:

“I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.

“In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.”

The President called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states to establish state police where necessary. He further advised religious institutions and schools in remote areas to strengthen security measures:

“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them. States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”

He also appealed to herders to embrace ranching as a long-term solution for peace:

“Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.

“The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.

“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.

“I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.”

Sending a strong warning to hostile groups, Tinubu emphasized the government’s resolve to defend the nation:

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”

In his final remarks, the President urged Nigerians to stand firm, remain vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies as the nation enters a new era of collective defense and national unity:

“Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.

“I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

With this declaration, Nigeria braces for one of the largest security mobilizations in its recent history, signaling a decisive move by the Tinubu administration to reclaim stability and restore public confidence amid rising insecurity.