President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the escalating wave of attacks across several states, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a decisive move, on Wednesday, the President ordered the recruitment of an additional 20,000 personnel into the Nigerian Army and Police, bringing the total number of new officers approved this year to 50,000.
He further directed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps across the country be converted into temporary training depots for police recruits. Police officers previously assigned to VIP protection are also to undergo retraining for redeployment to high-risk operational zones.
Tinubu instructed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy forest guards and commence fresh recruitment to bolster efforts to flush out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements hiding in forests.
He also pledged federal support for states establishing their own security outfits and urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislative work on the creation of state police.
Addressing the persistent clashes linked to open grazing, the President urged herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing practices, and surrender illegal firearms. He paid tribute to victims of recent attacks and honoured the sacrifices of fallen military personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was recently killed in action.
