President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency in response to rising security threats across the country, authorising an immediate expansion of personnel in the Nigerian Army, Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement issued from the State House on Wednesday, the President directed the police to recruit an additional 20,000 officers—bringing total recruitment for the year to 50,000—while the Nigerian Army is also authorised to enlist more personnel to strengthen deployments in security-challenged areas.
President Tinubu further approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training centres for police recruits, noting that previously approved upgrades of police training facilities are being accelerated. Officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties, he added, would undergo intensive retraining before being reassigned to frontline operations.
The President also instructed the DSS to immediately deploy trained forest guards to target terrorists and bandits operating in forests nationwide, while ordering the agency to recruit additional personnel. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he said.
Tinubu commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, assuring citizens that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining kidnapped students in Niger State and other victims still in captivity.
Addressing security structures at the state level, the President pledged full federal support for states that have established their own security outfits. He also urged the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would enable states seeking to establish state police to do so legally.
Tinubu advised states to reconsider siting boarding schools in remote locations without adequate security and called on mosques and churches—especially in vulnerable areas—to consistently seek security protection during worship.
On the recurring clashes between herders and farmers, the President said the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development aims to provide lasting solutions. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing and surrender illegal arms.
The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Warning those who may seek to test the government’s resolve, Tinubu stated that the administration’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. He reaffirmed commitment to securing the nation, urging citizens to stay calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
“This is a national emergency,” the President said. “We are deploying more boots on the ground. Let us stand together in strength to defend our nation. Together, we shall win.”
The address was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on November 26, 2025.
