Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency Over Rising Violence

By  Chinedu Echianu

President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency following escalating violence, kidnappings and armed attacks across several states.

The President also directed the military, police and intelligence agencies to launch immediate mass recruitment and intensify operations in high-risk areas.

In a statement from the State House on Wednesday, Tinubu authorises the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, increasing the current recruitment figure to 50,000 officers.

He also approved the use of NYSC camps as temporary training centres and ordered the withdrawal of police officers from VIP escort duties so they can undergo accelerated retraining for deployment to frontline zones.

The Armed Forces have been mandated to equally expand their personnel strength, while the Department of State Services (DSS) was urged to deploy all trained forest guards to combat terrorists and bandits hiding in forest areas.

The DSS will also recruit additional operatives as part of renewed efforts to secure forests, rural communities and major transit corridors.

“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.” the President said.

Tinubu commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State, assuring that operations are ongoing to free students kidnapped in Niger State as well as other victims still in captivity.

He urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing legal frameworks to enable states that are willing and prepared to establish their own state police.

The President advised state governments to reconsider the location of boarding schools in remote, unsecured environments and encouraged churches and mosques in vulnerable areas to work with the police to secure large gatherings.

On the persistent herder–farmer conflict, Tinubu appealed to herders’ associations to embrace ranching, end open grazing and surrender illegal arms.

He noted that the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is designed to provide sustainable long-term solutions.

The president extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States. He also honoured the memory of fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was killed in combat.

He warned that the government will not tolerate collusion, negligence or compromise within the security architecture and pledged support for existing state-level security outfits.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”

Tinubu urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies, stressing that defeating insecurity requires collective resolve.

“Let us stand together in purpose and strength. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.