President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency as part of a major push to tackle rising insecurity across Nigeria. The president announced several sweeping measures, including the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, bringing the total planned intake to 50,000, as well as fresh deployments across security agencies.

The announcement, released in a State House statement on Wednesday, outlines an aggressive new security strategy aimed at increasing manpower and strengthening response capabilities nationwide.

Massive Police Recruitment Begins

According to the statement, the president has directed the Nigerian Police Force to recruit 20,000 more officers, in addition to the earlier approved recruitment drive.

Tinubu also authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training centres to fast-track the expansion.

He 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.

The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.”

The president further instructed that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo accelerated retraining for immediate deployment to high-risk areas.

Special Security Operations in Forests

Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in Nigeria’s forests. Additional personnel will also be recruited to strengthen these special operations.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency,” he said, urging citizens to support ongoing security efforts.

Commends Security Agencies, Seeks Legal Reforms

The president praised security operatives for recent successes, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and vowed to continue pushing for the release of abducted students still held in Niger State.

He honoured fallen heroes, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who died in recent operations.

Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to review laws that would allow states to establish state police, saying security realities now require more flexible policing systems.

Livestock Ministry & End to Open Grazing

Re-emphasizing his administration’s vision for long-term peace, Tinubu highlighted the newly established Livestock Ministry, urging herders to embrace ranching and abandon open grazing.

He advised herder groups to surrender illegal arms and work with government to resolve farmer-herder conflicts.

Call for Vigilance Nationwide

President Tinubu urged schools, mosques, churches, and local authorities to take security more seriously—especially in remote or vulnerable areas.

He concluded:

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

May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”

The president’s announcement marks one of the most far-reaching security directives of his administration so far, signalling an intensified battle against insecurity across the country.