As Nigeria faces growing security threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a national security emergency on Wednesday and announced broad measures, including significant recruiting campaigns for the police and armed forces. The President approved the hiring of an extra 20,000 police officers, bringing the total authorized for the year to 50,000, in a nationwide statement released from the State House. Additionally, he gave the Nigerian Army instructions to start recruiting new soldiers in order to increase the number of soldiers in important operational theaters.
In addition to previously approved improvements of police colleges around the country, Tinubu authorized the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots to expedite police training.
Before being deployed to unstable areas, police personnel who have been relieved of their VIP security responsibilities will also quickly retrain.
The President also gave the Department of State Services (DSS) the authority to hire more staff to man wooded regions around the nation and to promptly deploy trained forest guards to drive out terrorists and criminals hiding in forests.
"We are responding by putting more boots on the ground because this is a national emergency," Tinubu declared. "All hands must be on deck at these times. We should all participate in safeguarding our country as Nigerians.
He promised that rescue attempts for kidnapped students and other victims in captivity would continue and praised security services for obtaining the recent release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 kidnapped worshipers in Kwara State.
Speaking to the Armed Forces, the President commended the soldiers' bravery and exhorted them to maintain their resolve. There must be no neglect, no cooperation, and no compromise. The Nigerian people rely on you, and this administration will provide you with the help you require to be successful.
Additionally, Tinubu urged the National Assembly to start examining legislation that would allow states that mandate state police to legally establish them. He urged religious institutions in vulnerable neighborhoods to continue working closely with security services and recommended that state governments bolster security around boarding schools.
The President reiterated that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was intended to offer long-term solutions to the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders.
He urged herder groups to give up illicit firearms, embrace ranching, and stop open grazing.
President Tinubu honored fallen military soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was murdered in the line of duty, and expressed sympathy to the families of victims of recent assaults in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.
He warned, "Those who wish to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness." "This administration possesses the bravery and resolve to maintain national security and guarantee our citizens live in harmony."
Tinubu urged people to maintain their vigilance and asked for cooperation and a shared determination to address security issues. He declared, "We are in this fight together, and together we shall win."
The President concluded by offering prayers for the country.