Tinubu declares national security emergency, orders mass recruitment across security agencies

By Johnson Arua

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling a sweeping set of measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.

Under the new directives, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force are to embark on accelerated recruitment drives. The President ordered the police to enlist an additional 20,000 officers, bringing total new intakes to 50,000, in what he described as an urgent step to close manpower gaps across the country.

In a major shift, NYSC orientation camps will now serve as temporary training depots for new police recruits, allowing security agencies to expand training capacity and fast-track deployment.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also been directed to immediately deploy newly constituted forest guards to volatile zones, while recruiting additional personnel to intensify operations aimed at rooting out terrorists and bandits hiding in forested areas.

President Tinubu further signalled support for sub-national security initiatives, announcing that the Federal Government will assist states seeking to establish or strengthen their own security outfits. He also urged the National Assembly to commence legislative work on the creation of state police, a longstanding proposal that has gained fresh momentum amid rising insecurity.

The President commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State, assuring Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining pupils kidnapped in Niger State.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across the nation, saying the measures mark a decisive new phase in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.