Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and authorised the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police in response to escalating security threats across the country.

In a statement, President Tinubu stated that the police will recruit 20,000 new officers, increasing the force to 50,000 personnel.

Training for these recruits will leverage National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, and officers withdrawn from VIP duties will undergo crash training to improve deployment efficiency in security-challenged areas.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also been directed to deploy all trained forest guards to tackle terrorists and bandits hiding in forested regions, with authority to recruit additional personnel for these operations.

“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 said.

The President commended security agencies for recent operations, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and vowed continued efforts to free students still held hostage in Niger State and other locations.

On the military, he praised their courage and sacrifice, urging them to maintain discipline, integrity, and resoluteness, warning that there would be no compromise, collusion, or negligence.

He also pledged support for state governments that have established security outfits to protect citizens.

President Tinubu called on the National Assembly to review laws to allow states to establish state police forces and urged communities to enhance security for schools, mosques, and churches.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ending herder-farmer conflicts, urging herders to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons, supported through the Livestock Ministry.

Paying tribute to families affected by attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, he also honoured fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. Our administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace,” the President said.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, assuring that the administration will continue to safeguard peaceful coexistence and national unity.

Read the full statement below