President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, increasing the total number of new recruits to 50,000. The directive was issued as part of a nationwide security emergency, according to a State House statement shared by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser and Presidential Spokesperson.
Tinubu stated that the expanded recruitment is crucial to strengthening internal security operations nationwide. He noted that previous approvals for police training facility upgrades remain in place, and that NYSC camps may now be used as temporary training depots to fast-track preparation and deployment.
He also ordered the retraining of officers withdrawn from VIP guard duties so they can be deployed to high-risk areas. The move aims to improve policing efficiency and enhance field readiness.
The security emergency extends to other agencies. The President instructed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards immediately to flush out terrorists and bandits, while also authorising additional DSS recruitment to reinforce forest security operations.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to recognise the severity of the national security situation, stressing the need for collective responsibility. He praised security agencies for recent successful rescue operations in Kebbi and Kwara States and assured that efforts were ongoing to free remaining abducted victims across the country.
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The President commended the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice, urging troops to maintain discipline and commitment. He also supported the idea of state police and asked the National Assembly to begin legislative review on the matter.
Addressing other security concerns, Tinubu advised state governments to reassess the siting of boarding schools in remote locations and urged religious institutions in vulnerable areas to seek regular police protection during gatherings.
On the farmer-herder crisis, he highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic step toward promoting ranching and ending open grazing conflicts. He appealed to herder groups to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons.
Tinubu expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks across several states and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He warned that criminal elements should not mistake restraint for weakness, reaffirming the government’s determination to restore peace.
The President urged Nigerians to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support security agencies. He concluded by assuring citizens that the government remains committed to preserving national unity and securing every community.
The statement was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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