Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Recruitment into Nigeria’s Armed Forces

Nigeria has entered a new phase in its battle against insecurity as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, authorizing an unprecedented recruitment drive into both the police and the military.

The president announced the decision in an official statement issued from Aso Rock on November 26, 2025, citing the deteriorating security challenges across the country.

According to him, “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.” This, he explained, is part of a broader strategy to deploy more boots on the ground, particularly in areas hardest hit by terrorism and banditry.

President Tinubu also revealed immediate changes to police operations, including redeployment and accelerated training. He directed that “officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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.”

Additionally, the president authorized the use of NYSC camps as training depots to speed up capacity building for frontline police officers. The move, he emphasized, reflects the urgency of the moment and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.

The presidency also empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to fully deploy forest guards and intensify operations against terrorists and armed groups hiding in Nigeria's forests.

Tinubu stated that the agency now has his directive to “recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.” He commended security agencies for recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of kidnapped victims in Kebbi and Kwara States, and assured Nigerians that further efforts are underway to free others still being held hostage.

In a broader review of state and national security policies, President Tinubu called on the National Assembly to begin revising laws to allow states to form their own police forces. He also urged states to reconsider operating boarding schools in insecure areas and encouraged religious institutions to seek stronger police protection.

Addressing the persistent herder–farmer crisis, he emphasized that ranching is now the sustainable path, noting: “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.” He appealed to herder associations to end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.

President Tinubu ended his address with a strong message of resilience and unity. He urged citizens not to give in to fear, saying: “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.” He paid tribute to security operatives, including fallen officers such as Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and prayed for God’s protection over Nigeria and its armed forces.