President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced a national security emergency, citing the escalating wave of violent attacks across the country. He ordered the Nigeria Police Force to immediately recruit 20,000 new officers, with training to be conducted at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps converted into police depots.
Tinubu also directed the armed forces to expand their personnel base and redeploy officers from VIP protection duties to frontline security operations. He stressed that Nigeria’s current policing structure is overstretched and requires urgent reinforcement to restore public confidence.
The president further urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution and relevant laws to legalise state police, arguing that decentralised policing is essential for community-level security. He pledged federal support for states that have already established local security networks, promising closer collaboration between federal and state authorities.
Tinubu’s declaration comes amid a series of high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi and worshippers in Kwara, which have heightened public anxiety. He emphasised that the government would not relent until all hostages are freed and communities are secured.
“We cannot continue to allow terrorists and bandits to dictate the pace of governance. This emergency is a call to action for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
Implications
For Citizens: The recruitment drive aims to boost police presence nationwide and reassure communities.
For Governance: The push for state police signals Tinubu’s readiness to decentralise Nigeria’s security system.
For Policy: The declaration marks one of the most significant security reforms in recent years, combining manpower expansion with constitutional change.
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