Breaking:Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment Drive
26th November 2025
In a sweeping response to escalating insecurity across the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Armed Forces and police to embark on an immediate expansion of their personnel.
Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its current recruitment tally to 50,000. To fast-track the process, police training facilities will now include National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps, following presidential approval.
The President further ordered the retraining of officers being withdrawn from VIP protection duties so they can be deployed to volatile regions where security remains fragile. He also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy all trained forest guards and commence fresh recruitment to reinforce operations against terrorists and bandits hiding in forests.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” President Tinubu said, urging citizens to support security operations amid rising threats.
The President commended security agencies for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, assuring that efforts are ongoing to free remaining abducted students in Niger State and other Nigerians still in captivity. He praised the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and charged them to “remain resolute” while maintaining discipline and integrity across all theatres of operation.
Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to commence work on legislation enabling states that wish to establish state police to do so. He advised state governments to reconsider the location of boarding schools in isolated areas and urged religious institutions in vulnerable regions to seek regular security protection.
Addressing persistent farmer–herder conflicts, the President appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching and utilise the structures provided under the newly created Livestock Ministry. He reiterated the call for herders to abandon open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.
The President expressed condolences to families of victims of attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Warning that the government’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to restore peace and protect citizens.
He urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies: “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The address concluded with a prayer for the safety of the armed forces and continued blessings for the nation.
