By Gimbiya Ladan, AWC National Security Desk, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared national security emergency, which would entail massive Police, Military recruitment, State Police push is expected to lead the new defence strategy under the unfolding scheme.
Nigeria’s battle against widening insecurity entered a decisive new phase on Wednesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a National Security Emergency, ordering a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s defence architecture, including historic recruitment drives, deployment shifts, and structural reforms aimed at confronting terrorists, bandits, and violent criminals “without hesitation.”
Addressing top security chiefs, ministers, and state governors, President Tinubu said the country had reached a critical turning point, stressing that “national security is the lifeblood of our nation—and we will defend it at all costs.”
Massive Recruitment Drive: 70,000 New Security Personnel
In what officials describe as the largest single security recruitment order in two decades, the President approved:
Additional 20,000 new police officers
bringing the total ongoing police recruitment to 50,000 personnel, according to earlier confirmations by the Police Service Commission.
Fresh intake into the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy
as part of a broader plan to reinforce frontline operations across the North-West, North-East, and North-Central.
Conversion of NYSC camps into temporary police training facilities
to accelerate training cycles and fast-track deployment.
These measures align with the administration’s previously announced goal of expanding Nigeria’s security manpower, following similar statements from the Minister of Information and the National Security Adviser on the need for “more boots, more technology, and more territorial presence.”
VIP Protection Officers to be Redeployed
In a landmark directive:
- Hundreds of police officers attached to VIPs will be recalled, retrained, and deployed to frontline and community policing assignments.
- Security sources say the Nigeria Police Force has already begun auditing VIP protection lists to identify officers who can be reassigned immediately.
The President said the era where “thousands of trained officers guard individuals while communities are left exposed” is over.
DSS to Lead National Forest Operations
To break the backbone of terrorist and bandit networks operating from forested regions, the President directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to:
- Deploy all trained forest tactical units
- Recruit more specialised operatives
- Conduct “deep penetration operations” across forests in Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of the South-West
This action echoes earlier warnings from security analysts who have repeatedly identified forests as the “strategic sanctuary” for kidnapping syndicates.
Commendation for Recent High-Profile Rescues
President Tinubu applauded joint operations that recently led to the rescue of:
- 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State,
- 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara State,
- and dozens of other victims across the North-West.
Security forces are said to be pursuing leads on the remaining hostages, with the President insisting:
“Every Nigerian life matters, and every hostage will be accounted for.”
Federal Backing for State Security Outfits
In a major shift, the President reaffirmed full federal support for legally recognized state-level security groups, including Amotekun, Hisbah, and local vigilante frameworks.
He also urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments for State Police, a reform long demanded by governors and security experts.
The Minister of Information recently confirmed that Tinubu has been consulting governors to draft the implementation framework for State Police—a policy now gaining bipartisan support.
Boarding Schools & Religious Centres Told to Reinforce Security
The President called on state governments to:
- Re-evaluate isolated boarding schools,
- Strengthen fencing, surveillance, and personnel,
- and ensure 24-hour protection around religious centres in high-risk communities.
This follows repeated attacks on rural schools and mosques in northern states.
Ending Farmer-Herder Clashes: Livestock Ministry Takes Lead
Reiterating a key policy direction, the President emphasized that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development is central to ending decades-old farmer-herder conflicts.
Tinubu urged herders to:
- Embrace ranching
- Stop open grazing
- Surrender illegal firearms
He said sustainable livestock management “will end the violence, preserve livelihoods, and modernize Nigeria’s agricultural economy.”
Tribute to Fallen Heroes
The President paid emotional tribute to soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who recently fell in combat.
He also sympathized with families affected by attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, and other states.
“Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten. Nigeria owes them a debt of honour and decisive action.”
Warning to Criminals: Restraint Is Not Weakness
In his strongest language yet, President Tinubu warned terrorists and bandits that the government’s patience must not be misread as vulnerability.
“Restrained force is not weakness. We will strike with precision, with resolve, and with total authority where necessary.”
Security analysts describe the new measures as the most comprehensive federal security repositioning since 2015.
National Appeal
President Tinubu concluded by urging all Nigerians to support security agencies:
“We are in this fight together, and together, we shall win.”
