Nigeria has declared a nationwide security emergency following what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described as an “emerging security situation” that demands immediate and far-reaching action.

The announcement signals one of the largest rapid expansions of the country’s security forces in recent years, as the administration moves to curb worsening threats across several regions.

In the address, President Tinubu said he had authorised the police and military to embark on major recruitment drives, with the Nigeria Police Force instructed to take in an additional 20,000 officers, raising the overall recruitment figure to 50,000.

He said the decision was necessary to increase manpower and restore public safety.

“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency,” the President stated.

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Large-Scale Recruitment, NYSC Camps To Serve as Depots

By the declaration, police authorities are now authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots.

Tinubu noted that although an upgrade of police training facilities had already been approved earlier, the new directive was meant to accelerate deployment across affected areas.

“The police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots,” he said.

The President further ordered that officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties undergo “crash training” before being redeployed to security-challenged regions.

He said the country must prioritise areas where lives and property remain at risk.

DSS Deployment to Forests and Intensified Joint Operations

Tinubu confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had received approval to deploy all previously trained forest guards to flush out armed groups hiding within forests across the country.

He added that the agency had been directed to recruit more personnel for forest security operations.

“The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests,” the President noted, adding that there would be “no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

He praised security agencies for securing the release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State.

He said efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted students in Niger State and others still in captivity.

“We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students,” he said.

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Support for States, Reforms on State Police

Tinubu pledged federal support to state-level security outfits and urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable states that require state police to establish them.

“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws,” he said.

The President advised states to reconsider establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and urged mosques and churches in vulnerable regions to maintain close coordination with police during gatherings.

He said the newly created Livestock Ministry would help end persistent clashes between herders and farmers, urging herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.

“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he stated.

Sympathy for Victims, Warning to Criminals

Tinubu expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States and honoured security personnel, including the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” the President warned.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies as the country intensifies operations nationwide.

“Let’s stand together in purpose and strength,” he said, closing the address with prayers for the safety of the armed forces and the unity of Nigeria.

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Recruits undergo training at the headquaters of the Depot of the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State in northcentral Nigeria, on October 5, 2017. The military has been criticized for human rights abuses and claiming Boko Haram’s defeat numerous times. PHOTO/ Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images