President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, unveiling a sweeping set of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.
Under the directive:
- The Army and Police are to recruit more personnel, with the Police adding 20,000 officers, bringing their total force to 50,000.
- NYSC camps will be repurposed as police training depots to accelerate recruitment and training.
- The Department of State Services (DSS) will immediately deploy forest guards and expand recruitment to flush out terrorists and bandits.
- The Federal Government will support states in creating their own security outfits, while calling on the National Assembly to begin legislative work on establishing state police.
- President Tinubu commended the recent rescue of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls and 38 Kwara worshippers, pledging to secure the release of the remaining abducted pupils in Niger State.
The declaration marks one of the most comprehensive security interventions in recent years, signaling a shift toward decentralization and community-based policing alongside federal efforts.