President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Nigerian Army, Police, and other security agencies to urgently increase personnel strength in response to rising security threats across the country.

The announcement was contained in an official State House statement issued on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

According to the President, the Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its ongoing recruitment target to 50,000 personnel. He also approved the use of NYSC camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track the deployment of new recruits.

President Tinubu further ordered that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo accelerated retraining before being reassigned to high-risk areas nationwide.

The Nigerian Army has also been directed to embark on fresh recruitment to expand its operational capacity.

In addition, the President authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out bandits and terrorists hiding in forests across the country. He also instructed the DSS to recruit more personnel specifically for forest operations.

“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground,” President Tinubu said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and actively support security efforts.

The President commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State. He also pledged continued efforts to free remaining hostages, including students abducted in Niger State.

Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for their resilience, urging troops to remain disciplined, united, and uncompromising in the fight against criminal networks. He reiterated that the Federal Government will continue supporting both national and state-level security initiatives, including state-established security outfits.

He called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws to enable states that desire state police to establish them.

The President also advised states to avoid placing boarding schools in isolated areas without adequate security and urged religious institutions in vulnerable regions to maintain constant contact with security agencies.

Speaking on farmer-herder conflicts, Tinubu encouraged herders to embrace ranching and utilise the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, stressing that open grazing and illegal arms possession must end.

He extended condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

Warning those responsible for violence, the President said they should “never mistake restraint for weakness,” affirming that his administration is firmly committed to restoring national peace.

Tinubu urged Nigerians not to panic, but to stay united, report suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security agencies.

“Together we shall win,” he concluded.