President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the immediate recruitment of additional security personnel to confront rising insecurity across Nigeria.

In a statement released from the State House, President Tinubu ordered the Nigeria Police Force to recruit 20,000 new officers, raising the total number of new intakes to 50,000. He also authorized the temporary use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training centres for the recruits.

“Given the emerging security threats, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and mandate additional recruitment into the Armed Forces,” the president said.

He further explained that although he had earlier approved an upgrade of police training facilities nationwide, the police are now permitted to use NYSC camps as immediate training depots to speed up the process.

Tinubu also directed that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo intensive retraining before deployment to crisis-prone areas.

The president empowered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forested regions and ordered the recruitment of more personnel to enhance these operations.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency. We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in areas facing security challenges. These times demand collective responsibility. Every Nigerian must play a role in securing our nation,” he said.

President Tinubu commended security agencies for their recent successes, including the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He also vowed that efforts would continue until all kidnapped students in Niger State are safely returned.

He paid tribute to soldiers who have died in the line of duty, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing their sacrifices as heroic and unforgettable.

Tinubu urged the National Assembly to consider amending the law to enable the creation of state police where necessary. He also advised state governments, traditional leaders, and religious institutions to strengthen local security measures.

Addressing farmer-herder conflicts, the president reiterated the purpose of the newly established Ministry of Livestock, calling on herders to abandon open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and embrace ranching as a sustainable alternative.

He warned state governments to avoid establishing boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security, and encouraged worship centres—especially those in vulnerable communities—to seek regular police protection.

“The Livestock Ministry exists to help resolve the long-standing clashes between herders and farmers. I urge all herder groups to utilise this opportunity, end open grazing, and adopt ranching. Working together with the states, we will finally end this cycle of violence,” he said.

Tinubu appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative with security agencies, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and strengthening national unity.

“Do not give in to fear. Report suspicious activities. Support our security forces. We are in this together, and together we will prevail.

“May God bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” the statement concluded.