President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and authorised the recruitment of additional 20,000 personnel into the police and the army, bringing the total number of new police officers to 50,000.
According to a statement issued by the Statehouse, the President said the measure was necessary in view of the growing security challenges across the country, including terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnapping. The statement, made available to NAN, said that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties would undergo crash training to improve their operational effectiveness before deployment to high-risk areas.
The President further authorised the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots for police recruits, while the Department of State Services (DSS) was directed to immediately deploy trained forest guards and recruit additional personnel to flush out criminals hiding in forested areas.
President Tinubu commended security agencies for their efforts in recent operations, including the successful rescue of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured that the government would continue to pursue the release of other abducted citizens, including students still held in Niger State.
In addition, the President called on state governments, religious institutions, and community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to safeguard vulnerable communities. He urged herders to adopt ranching, surrender illegal weapons, and end open grazing to prevent clashes with farmers, noting that the Federal Government would support states in enforcing these policies.
President Tinubu emphasised that the security of the nation requires collective action. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies, assuring that the government would provide the necessary resources and support to restore peace and security across the country.
Read Full Speech:
STATEHOUSE STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES A SECURITY EMERGENCY, ORDERS ARMY, POLICE TO RECRUIT MORE PERSONNEL
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.
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.
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.
Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers 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.
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.
In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
November 26, 2025
