President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a nationwide security emergency to tackle growing violence and criminal activities across the country. He directed the Nigerian Police Force and the Armed Forces to increase their manpower, with the police instructed to recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing the total number of new intakes to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training centres due to the growing number of recruits.
The president instructed that officers currently attached to VIP protection duties should be withdrawn, retrained, and redeployed to troubled areas. He also granted the Department of State Services the authority to deploy trained forest guards to comb forests used by terrorists and bandits, while approving the recruitment of more personnel to support these operations.
He commended security agencies for their role in rescuing abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and worshippers in Kwara State, and promised that efforts would continue to rescue students still held captive in Niger State. He also recognised soldiers who lost their lives during recent operations.
The president called on the National Assembly to review laws that could allow states to set up state police where needed. He urged state and local authorities, as well as religious leaders, to strengthen security around schools, churches, and mosques, especially in high-risk areas.
Tinubu also advised herders to stop open grazing, surrender illegal weapons, and adopt ranching as a safer method of livestock farming to reduce clashes between farmers and herders. He appealed to citizens to remain calm, stay alert, report suspicious movements, and cooperate with security agencies as the government works to restore peace and safety across the country.