President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the creation of state police as part of wide-ranging measures to confront rising insecurity, declaring a nationwide security emergency and authorising massive new recruitment into the police and the armed forces.
The position was contained in a statement personally issued by the President and released from Aso Rock, Abuja.
From the 10th paragraph of his message, Tinubu urged federal lawmakers to immediately begin reviewing existing laws to allow states that require their own police structures to establish them. He argued that sub-national forces have become necessary in light of persistent attacks across several regions.
The President also announced fresh recruitment into national security formations, confirming that the police and the military have been approved to expand their personnel strength. “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” he said.
He directed that NYSC camps be used as temporary training locations and instructed that officers withdrawn from VIP protection should “undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.”
Tinubu authorised the DSS to deploy trained forest guards immediately and to hire more personnel. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
The President described the moment as urgent, stating: “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.”
He commended security agencies for securing the release of abducted victims in Kebbi and Kwara and reaffirmed ongoing efforts to rescue remaining captives in Niger State.
Addressing the military, he said: “I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”
Tinubu pledged federal support for state-backed security outfits and urged boarding schools and worship centres in vulnerable areas to strengthen protective measures.
He also appealed to herder associations to embrace the newly established Livestock Ministry’s reforms, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons, stressing that ranching is now the sustainable path.
The President extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara and honoured soldiers who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
The full text states: “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.
“By this declaration, 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.
“Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
“The 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.
“The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.
“Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State. We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.
“In addition, our administration will support state governments that set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.
“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
“States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.
“Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing
and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.
“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.
“I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. 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.
“May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
