ABUJA, Nov 27 (AGCNewsNet) — President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, announcing sweeping measures aimed at tackling the recent surge in violence across multiple states. In a national address late Wednesday, the President said the rising frequency and intensity of attacks demanded an urgent, coordinated response.

Under the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been authorized to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its ongoing recruitment drive to 50,000 personnel. The Nigerian Army has also received approval to expand enlistment in order to reinforce troops deployed across various security operations.

To accelerate the recruitment process, Tinubu approved the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training depots, supplementing facilities already undergoing nationwide upgrades.

He further ordered all officers recently withdrawn from VIP protection duties to undergo crash reorientation courses before being deployed to vulnerable communities and high-risk regions.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has been directed to immediately deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. The agency has also been granted approval to recruit additional personnel specifically for forest security operations.

“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

The President commended recent coordinated security operations, including the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State. He assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to secure students still being held hostage in Niger State and other victims in captivity across the country.

Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to review the legal framework that would allow states wishing to establish state police to do so. He urged governors to reconsider operating remote boarding schools without adequate security and advised places of worship in vulnerable areas to maintain constant security support.

He added that the federal government would continue to support states that have established local security outfits, noting that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development remains central to addressing long-standing farmer–herder conflicts. The President encouraged herders to embrace ranching, end open grazing, and surrender illegal firearms.

Extending condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, Tinubu paid tribute to fallen security personnel, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who died in active service.

“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” the President said. “This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”

He urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, emphasizing that unity and shared responsibility remain essential to overcoming the nation’s current challenges.

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