BREAKING: President Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the police and armed forces to urgently recruit thousands of new personnel while authorising the use of NYSC camps for accelerated training.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the Nigerian Police Force and the Armed Forces to embark on large-scale recruitment to curb rising insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued from the State House, President Tinubu directed the police to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total planned intake to 50,000 personnel. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training centres to fast-track deployment.

The president said, “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.”

He continued, “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.
“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.”

Tinubu further directed that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo crash retraining before being redeployed to high-risk security zones.

The statement added that the president has authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to clear out terrorists and bandits operating from forested regions, with an order to recruit more personnel to reinforce these operations.

Calling for collective responsibility, Tinubu said, “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground… The times require all hands on deck.”

He commended the security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, and expressed determination to secure students still held captive in Niger State. He also honoured fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, acknowledging their sacrifices.

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Tinubu urged the National Assembly to consider legislation enabling states to establish state police, while advising local governments, schools, churches, and mosques to strengthen security measures.

Addressing recurring farmer-herder clashes, the president highlighted ongoing plans under the new Ministry of Livestock Development, urging herders to adopt ranching and abandon open grazing.

He stated, “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”

The president called on citizens to remain alert but not afraid, adding that government remains committed to restoring peace.

“Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.