By Ebenezer Adurokiya, Warri
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide state of emergency on security, citing the escalating wave of insurgency, banditry and kidnappings threatening communities across Nigeria.
The President said the drastic measure became unavoidable following a series of deadly attacks on soft targets in several states.
Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, announced massive recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army as part of urgent steps to boost the nation’s security architecture.
He disclosed that the police will immediately recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, increasing the number of new intakes to 50,000.
The statement, however, did not specify the number of additional soldiers expected in the Army.
In a decisive move against terrorists occupying forests nationwide, Tinubu directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards to flush out criminal groups.
He emphasised that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
The President also signalled his readiness to support legislation for the creation of state police, noting that states with their own security outfits will receive federal backing to protect their residents.
Tinubu reminded Nigerians that he had earlier established the Ministry of Livestock Development to address persistent herder–farmer clashes, especially in the Middle Belt.
He reaffirmed that open grazing will no longer be acceptable, insisting that ranching is now “the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”
He said:
“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.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas of the country.”
Tinubu commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, assuring that efforts would continue until all abducted citizens, including the remaining Catholic school students in Niger State, are freed.
To the Armed Forces, he charged:
“I commend your courage and your sacrifice. There must be no compromise, no collusion and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you.”
The President, while sympathising with victims of recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara, warned criminal elements not to mistake government restraint for weakness.
He urged schools, churches and mosques in vulnerable areas to maintain close security coordination, and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values,” he said, assuring that his administration will continue to safeguard national unity and peaceful coexistence.
