President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating security threats across the country, announcing sweeping measures that include large-scale recruitment into the armed forces and security agencies.
In a statement personally signed by the President, he authorised the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security operations nationwide.
The police, he said, will recruit 20,000 new officers, raising their current recruitment figure to 50,000.
Tinubu also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots to accelerate the training and deployment of new police recruits.
According to the statement, officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties are to undergo crash retraining before being deployed to security-challenged areas.
The President further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy already trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country.
The DSS has also been authorised to recruit more personnel to intensify forest security operations.
Tinubu said, “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.”
He commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara State, assuring that efforts were ongoing to free the remaining abducted students of a Catholic school in Niger State and other Nigerians still in captivity.
Addressing members of the Armed Forces, the President praised their courage and sacrifice, urging them to remain resolute and uphold the highest standards of discipline.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he warned, promising continued federal support for military operations.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s backing for state-owned security outfits, calling on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would enable states to establish state police where needed.
He advised state governments to reconsider running boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security and urged religious institutions to seek police protection during gatherings, particularly in vulnerable regions.
On efforts to address persistent farmer-herder clashes, the President called on herder associations to embrace ranching, surrender illegal weapons, and take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry.
“I also 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,” he said, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s resolve, the President said: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.”
Tinubu urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security agencies, adding, “Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values… We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
He ended with a prayer for the nation: “May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
