President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency and ordered sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence and internal security architecture. The announcement followed a detailed security briefing from service chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies, triggering wide-ranging directives targeting recruitment, training, deployment, policing reforms, and counter-terrorism operations across the country.
Ejes Gist News reports that the new measures represent one of the most extensive security interventions announced by the administration. The directives cut across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and state-level security structures.
The announcement followed renewed attacks in several states and a series of rescue operations that freed dozens of abducted Nigerians, including schoolchildren and worshippers. The President said the new measures are designed to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and inter-communal violence more aggressively.
Expanded Recruitment into the Military and Police
One of the key directives is a large-scale recruitment exercise across the armed forces and the Nigeria Police Force. The President authorised additional intakes to expand the country’s security manpower significantly.
According to the directive, the Nigerian Police Force has been cleared to recruit an additional 20,000 new officers, raising the total expansion target to 50,000 personnel under the current security reform programme. The new officers will be deployed to high-risk locations following intensive training cycles designed to enhance their capability for counter-insurgency, rapid response, and community policing.
The President also approved urgent supplementary recruitment into the Army and other branches of the armed forces, citing the need to reinforce frontline operations in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.
NYSC Camps to Serve as Temporary Police Training Depots
As part of accelerated reforms, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps will be converted into temporary police training facilities. The decision aims to increase training capacity and reduce the delays associated with conventional recruitment depots.
Security officials said the temporary use of NYSC camps will not disrupt the operations of the national youth service scheme. Instead, the arrangement is expected to help the police fast-track the onboarding and preparation of new recruits for field deployment.
VIP Protection Officers to be Redeployed to Troubled Regions
The President also directed that police personnel attached to VIP protection units be recalled for retraining and reassigned to high-risk operational zones. The measure affects officers deployed in escort duties for public office holders, political figures, and private individuals with existing police protection.
Under the new order, key personnel will undergo rapid advanced training before deployment to conflict-prone areas. The government stated that only those with legally approved security attachments will retain limited protection.
DSS to Deploy Forest Guards Nationwide
The Department of State Services received a direct mandate to deploy all trained forest guards across Nigeria. These personnel are specialised operatives trained to track, neutralise, and dismantle terrorist and bandit hideouts in forests.
The President ordered the DSS to accelerate recruitment for additional forest guard units, with a nationwide sweep of dangerous forests considered a top priority. The directive aims to disrupt the operations of criminal groups that use forested regions as bases for kidnapping, illegal arms movement, and coordinated attacks.
Ongoing Rescue Operations Acknowledged
The President commended recent joint security operations that led to the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State. He assured families of ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by criminal organisations.
Security sources noted that tactical intelligence operations remain active in several states following renewed engagements between military units and armed criminal groups.
Support for State Security Outfits
The new security directive includes explicit support for state-level security formations, including those created through sub-national legislation. The President said the Federal Government would provide operational backing, training assistance, and intelligence sharing to support their activities.
This measure is expected to strengthen localised rapid-response systems, especially in rural communities affected by persistent violence.
Call for Legal Framework to Enable State Police
The President urged the National Assembly to accelerate legislative amendments needed to allow willing states to establish state police agencies. He said constitutional adjustments are essential to create a structured and accountable system for state policing.
Federal authorities believe a regulated state police framework could improve community-based security operations and reduce pressure on federal forces.
Review of Boarding Schools in High-Risk Areas
In response to recurrent attacks on schools, especially in rural locations, the President advised states to reconsider the operation of boarding schools in insecure or remote areas. He said security vulnerabilities around educational institutions must be reassessed.
The President also encouraged religious organisations to integrate improved security protocols for worship centres, citing recent episodes where prayer venues were targeted by armed assailants.
Ending Farmer–Herder Clashes Through Modern Ranching
The President reaffirmed the commitment to ending farmer–herder conflicts, which have caused widespread destruction in several regions. He said the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development would provide modern ranching solutions to replace open grazing.
The directive encourages pastoral communities to transition to ranching, end open-range cattle movement, and surrender illegal arms. The government expects the reforms to reduce violent clashes, protect farmlands, and stabilise rural economies.
Tribute to Fallen Soldiers and Victims
The President honoured Nigerian troops who lost their lives during recent engagements, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who died in action. He extended condolences to families affected by attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, Taraba, and other states experiencing violence.
Security officials said investigations are ongoing into the incidents, with additional deployments mobilised to secure vulnerable communities.
Warning to Criminal Groups
The President issued a direct warning to criminal networks responsible for terrorism, mass abductions, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking. He said the government’s restraint should not be interpreted as weakness and that decisive military and intelligence operations would continue nationwide.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support security agencies. The President said national unity and public cooperation are essential for success.
