Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering additional recruitment into the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
With the President’s declaration, the Nigeria Police Force will now recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total recruitment to 50,000.
The President, in a personally signed statement on Wednesday, also directed the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking across Nigerian forests.
Describing the current security situation of the country as a national emergency, President Tinubu assured citizens that the Federal Government is responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.
“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“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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.” President Tinubu added.
The President acknowledged the current security situation as a challenging moment for the country and for the nation’s military institutions.
He emphasised that the times demand a united response, urging all Nigerians to play their part in safeguarding the nation and supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.
The Nigerian leader commended the leadership and rank and file of the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission to restore peace across all theatres of operation.
The President charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity, warning that there must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence in the discharge of their duties.
President Tinubu further assured the military that Nigerians are counting on them, adding that his administration will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure their success.
He also lauded the coordinated efforts of security agencies that led to the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State.
The Nigerian President also reiterated that the government will sustain the momentum until the remaining students of the Catholic school in Niger State and all other Nigerians still in captivity are safely rescued.