President Tinubu Announces Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment into Police, Army

As part of efforts to combat insecurity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Police and the Army to recruit more personnel.

Consequently, the Police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total number to 50,000.

President Tinubu disclosed this in a statement issued by the State House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

“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“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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,” the statement noted.

The President affirmed that insecurity is a national emergency, stressing that his administration is 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.”

He also commended the leadership and rank and file of the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice, acknowledging that this is a challenging moment for Nigeria and its military institution.

President Tinubu charged them to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity, adding that there must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.

He continued: “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.”

The President explained that his administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers and called on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.

He emphasised that ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony, assuring that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with the herders and farmers to solve the recurring 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,” he remarked.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair, advising them to stand together in purpose and strength to defend their freedom and values.

He further stated: “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.”

ThelensNG