By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has declared a nationwide security emergency and directed an expansive recruitment drive across the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), as part of sweeping measures to confront the country’s escalating security challenges.
In an official address on Tuesday, President Tinubu said the decision was informed by the emerging security situation across several states, stressing that Nigeria must now respond with decisive action and significantly increased manpower in critical security formations. “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 announced.
By the presidential directive, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force have been authorised to recruit more personnel immediately. For the Police, the President approved a fresh intake of 20,000 additional officers, bringing the total recent recruitment figures to 50,000. He added that although he had earlier approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, police authorities are now authorised to utilise various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots to accelerate the process.
President Tinubu also directed that police personnel being withdrawn from VIP guard duties undergo immediate crash training to “debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”
The President extended similar orders to the DSS, disclosing that the agency had been granted “authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.” He further authorised the DSS to conduct additional recruitment to strengthen forest security operations, declaring that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
Addressing the nation, the President described the situation as a national emergency requiring the participation of every Nigerian. “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.”
He commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State, assuring that continued efforts were underway to secure the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other citizens still being held hostage. “We will continue to sustain the efforts,” he vowed.
President Tinubu paid special tribute to the Armed Forces for what he described as their courage and sacrifice during a challenging moment for the nation. “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. 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.”
He also pledged federal support for states that have established security outfits to safeguard their communities, and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing existing laws to enable states willing to do so to establish their own police forces. He further advised state governments to reconsider operating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security.
The President called for vigilance in places of worship, urging mosques and churches especially in vulnerable locations to regularly seek police and security protection when congregating.
Turning to the persistent problem of herder-farmer clashes, President Tinubu reminded Nigerians that his administration created the Ministry of Livestock Development specifically to address the crisis. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching, discontinue open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said, adding that the Federal Government, in partnership with the states, would work to permanently resolve the long-standing conflict.
Sending a message to criminal groups threatening national security, the President warned that the government’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “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.”
President Tinubu expressed deep sympathy to families who have lost loved ones in recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was recently killed in action.
He urged Nigerians to refuse despair and remain united in purpose. “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.”
