President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating violent attacks across several states, announcing sweeping measures including expanded recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, activation of forest guards, and tighter security protocols for vulnerable areas.
He declared that ‘There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil’ while tasking herders to abandon open grazing, embrace ranching, and surrender their arms.
In a statement personally issued on Wednesday, President Tinubu 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.”
Under the new directive, both the police and the army have been authorised to recruit more personnel.
“The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” he said.
The president also directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps be used as police training depots to rapidly expand capacity, noting that officers being withdrawn from VIP duties must undergo crash retraining.
“The exercise is to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country,” he explained.
President Tinubu further empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to fully activate the nation’s forest security architecture.
“The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests,” he said, adding that the agency has the mandate to recruit additional personnel.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the president warned.
Describing the situation as “a national emergency,” he said the federal government is responding by “deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” and appealed to citizens for support, “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”
The president also commended security forces for recent operational successes, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State.
“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage,” he assured.
To military personnel nationwide, Tinubu delivered a firm charge, “I commend your courage and your sacrifice… 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.”
He added that his administration would provide full support to ensure their success.
The president also pledged federal backing for states with existing security outfits and urged the National Assembly to review legislation to allow the establishment of state police where necessary.
He cautioned state governments against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas and advised religious institutions to “constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”
On the resolution of farmer-herder conflicts, Tinubu highlighted the Ministry of Livestock Development and called on herder groups to abandon open grazing.
“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward,” he said.
Expressing sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, the president paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“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,” he warned.
In a rallying call to Nigerians, Tinubu urged unity and vigilance, saying, “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
