President Bola Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, following the escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, announced sweeping measures that include large-scale recruitment into the Armed Forces and immediate deployment of trained forest guards.
The president directed the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel — bringing ongoing recruitment to 50,000 — and directed the Nigerian Army to also expand its personnel strength.
Tinubu further approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities for the police, following earlier plans to upgrade police training infrastructure nationwide.
He also ordered that police officers being withdrawn from VIP security duties undergo crash reorientation training before being redeployed to high-risk areas.
Tinubu said the Department of State Services (DSS) has been given full authority to deploy all trained forest guards to clear out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests, with an additional mandate to recruit more personnel to secure the nation’s forest areas.
Tinubu stated: “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.”
Tinubu commended security agencies for the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, assuring that operations are ongoing to free abducted students from a Catholic school in Niger State as well as others held captive.
He also urged the military to remain resolute, disciplined and uncompromising in restoring peace nationwide.
“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
Tinubu also reaffirmed federal government’s support for states that have established local security outfits and called on the National Assembly to initiate a review of laws to allow states that desire state police to set them up.
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Tinubu further urged states to reconsider operating boarding schools in remote or poorly secured areas, and advised religious centres in vulnerable communities to work closely with security agencies when organising large gatherings.
Addressing ongoing farmer-herder conflicts, the president urged herders to key into the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, end open grazing, submit illegal weapons, and embrace ranching as the sustainable path forward.
He condoled with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, and paid tribute to fallen security personnel, including Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba.
Tinubu added: “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.”
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, emphasising unity and resilience in the face of national challenges.
“Let us stand together to defend our freedom and values. Together we shall win,” the president stated.
