Tinubu Declares National Security Emergency, Approves Massive Security Recruitment Drive

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a national security emergency, unveiling sweeping measures that include an unprecedented mass recruitment into the Nigerian Army, Police, and specialised security units as the country battles escalating violence across multiple regions.

A statement issued by the Presidency announced that the emergency declaration empowers security agencies to immediately expand their manpower and intensify operations against terrorists, bandits, and criminal gangs.

Tinubu said the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its ongoing recruitment target to 50,000 personnel nationwide. To fast-track training, police authorities have also been granted permission to convert National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps into temporary training depots.

The President further directed that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties be subjected to accelerated retraining before deployment to high-risk zones.

“In view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the statement read.

“By this declaration, the Police and the Army are authorised to recruit more personnel. Although I previously approved the upgrade of police training facilities, the Police are now authorised to use various NYSC camps as training centres.”

Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy newly trained forest guards across the country’s vast forest belts – known hideouts for terrorists and bandits. Additional recruitment into the unit has been approved to strengthen these operations.

The President urged Nigerians to support the nationwide mobilisation effort, stressing that the unfolding security situation demands unity and collective responsibility.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” Tinubu said. “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

Wednesday’s announcement marks the Tinubu administration’s most aggressive security intervention yet, signalling a decisive shift toward expanded manpower, rapid restructuring, and intensified ground operations in response to mounting insecurity across the country.