President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in response to what he described as an “emerging security situation” across the country. The declaration ushers in a sweeping set of measures, including a large-scale recruitment drive across security agencies and the immediate deployment of trained forest guards to counter terrorist and bandit activities.
In a statement, President Tinubu announced that both the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces have been authorised to recruit additional personnel. The police will enlist 20,000 new officers—bringing the total number of recruits for the year to 50,000. To fast-track training, the police are now permitted to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots.
Officers currently deployed on VIP protection duties are to be withdrawn and placed in rapid training programmes before being reassigned to high-risk areas.
The President also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out armed groups hiding in forests nationwide. He further authorised the agency to recruit additional personnel to reinforce ongoing operations.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” President Tinubu said, calling on citizens to support security efforts and report suspicious activities.
The President commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 Christian worshippers abducted in Kwara State. He assured the nation that operations to rescue remaining abductees—including students of a Catholic school in Niger State—would continue “unrelentingly.”
Addressing the Armed Forces, Tinubu praised their “courage and sacrifice” while urging them to maintain discipline and integrity. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he warned.
The administration also pledged support for state-backed security outfits and called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable states interested in creating their own police forces.
The President advised state governments to reconsider boarding school locations in remote areas without adequate security and encouraged religious institutions to strengthen security measures during gatherings.
Speaking on recurring clashes between herders and farmers, Tinubu urged herder associations to embrace ranching, surrender illegal weapons, and take advantage of the newly created Livestock Ministry. He stated that ending open grazing remains critical to long-term peace.
The President offered condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring public safety.
Calling for unity and vigilance, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he concluded.
The full text of the President’s statement reads:
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.
By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.
The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
My fellow Nigerians, 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.
Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.
To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.
In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.
I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.
Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.
I 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. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.
I 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. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.
I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.
May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe. 2/2
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
November 26, 2025
