President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the escalating security challenges facing Nigeria. In a statement issued today, the President announced urgent measures to strengthen the country’s security apparatus, including the recruitment of additional personnel into the Armed Forces and police.
Under the emergency declaration, the police service is authorized to recruit an extra 20,000 officers, increasing the total force to 50,000. The statement also directs the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as training centers for the police to expedite their preparedness. Officers relieved from VIP guard duties are to undergo intensive training to better serve in security-challenged regions. The Department of State Services (DSS) has been empowered to deploy trained forest guards and recruit additional personnel to eliminate terrorist and bandit strongholds in forests across Nigeria.
President Tinubu praised security agencies for their recent successes, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, affirming the government’s commitment to continuing efforts to free other hostages. He commended the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice, urging them to restore peace with discipline and integrity. The government will also support state-level security outfits and called on the National Assembly to review laws enabling states to establish police forces.
The statement urged communities to rethink security around schools, places of worship, and called on herder associations to end open grazing as ranching is promoted to resolve herder-farmer conflicts. The President expressed condolences to families affected by attacks in various states and honored fallen soldiers, stressing that the government’s resolve to maintain national security remains unshaken. He called on Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies to overcome the crisis together.
STATEHOUSE FULL STATEMENT
PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES A SECURITY EMERGENCY, ORDERS ARMY, POLICE TO RECRUIT MORE PERSONNEL
Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.
By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.
The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
My fellow Nigerians, 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.
Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.
To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.
In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.
I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.
Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.
I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.
Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.
I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.
May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
November 26, 2025
