President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency on Nigeria’s security situation, citing the need to respond decisively to emerging threats across the country.
In a statement personally signed by him, President Tinubu said the development followed a review of the nation’s security landscape, prompting him to “declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”
According to the President, “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.”
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Tinubu, who warned terrorists not to test the resolve of his administration, also urged the National Assembly “to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.”
He directed that officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training before redeployment to security-challenged areas.
The President added: “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. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
“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.”
President Tinubu commended security agencies for their collaborative efforts in securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
He said that “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.”
Addressing the Armed Forces, he said: “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.”
The President reaffirmed support for state-backed security outfits working to protect vulnerable communities. “I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them. 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.”
Speaking on efforts to resolve herder–farmer clashes, Tinubu said: “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 extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks across multiple states. “I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.”
Warning adversaries, he said: “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.”
The President concluded by advising Nigerians to remain united and alert, urging them to “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.”
