By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Nigerian Police and the Armed Forces to embark on fresh recruitment drives to confront the growing wave of insecurity across the country.
In the statement released from the State House, the president ordered the police to take in an additional 20,000 officers, raising the total number of recruits earlier approved to 50,000. He also authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training centres to fast-track preparation for the new intakes.
The statement read, “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.
“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“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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.”
Tinubu granted the Department of State Services permission to deploy trained forest guards to track and dislodge terrorists and bandits hiding in Nigeria’s forests. He further approved additional recruitment to reinforce those operations.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The president praised security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, promising that efforts to free abducted students still held in Niger State would not slow down. He also paid tribute to troops who recently lost their lives in combat, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Tinubu called on the National Assembly to revisit the nation’s security laws so that states can establish their own police forces where necessary. He also urged religious institutions and community leaders to tighten security around places of worship and public spaces.
He underscored the government’s new Livestock Ministry as a long-term solution to the farmer-herder conflict, stressing that herders must embrace ranching, abandon open grazing and surrender illegal firearms.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu urged citizens to avoid panic and continue supporting security agencies, insisting the government remains fully committed to restoring peace nationwide.
“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 statement concluded.