 |
| Photo of President Tinubu and Insecurity |
Abuja, Nigeria, 26 November 2025 - In a sweeping response to a mounting wave of violence and mass kidnappings across the country, Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the immediate mobilisation of thousands of additional personnel into the police and armed forces.
What prompted the emergency?
Recent days have seen a spate of abductions, including the large-scale kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in several states. In light of the tragic events and widespread insecurity, the government deemed drastic action necessary.
In his national address, Tinubu announced that the police would recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total planned intake this year to 50,000.
At the same time, the military and other security agencies have been given licence to begin fresh enlistments, boosting manpower across the board.
To expedite training, the government authorised the conversion of several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps into temporary training depots. Officers previously assigned to VIP-protection duties will be retrained and deployed to frontline areas.
Furthermore, the Department of State Services (DSS) has been mandated to deploy trained forest guards and recruit additional personnel to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in Nigeria’s forests. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” Tinubu declared.
Government’s Broader Strategy
Beyond recruitment, the president appealed to state governments to consider establishing their own police forces where needed. He also urged educational institutions, religious bodies, and local communities in insecure areas to collaborate with security agencies to prevent further attacks.
Tinubu addressed ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers, particularly in rural areas, by advocating for ranching and discouraging open grazing. He called on herder associations to surrender illegal arms and embrace more sustainable, controlled farming practices.
Extending condolences to families affected by recent attacks in states such as Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara, the president honoured fallen soldiers and emphasised that the federal government will support state security outfits during this emergency period.
What This Means and the Challenges Ahead
This declaration of emergency and mass recruitment marks one of the most significant security responses by the federal government in recent years. On paper, the injection of fresh manpower and the redeployment of resources signal a renewed determination to restore order.
However, the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges from insurgency and banditry to kidnappings and communal violence means that manpower alone may not suffice. Analysts warn that alongside recruitment, the government must invest in intelligence capabilities, community policing, social interventions, and governance reforms to address root causes.
For many Nigerians, the announcement brings a cautious sense of relief and hope that additional boots on the ground could translate into safer towns and schools. Yet, a sober expectation remains: success will depend not just on numbers, but on commitment, coordination, and accountability.
Source: Reuters
0 Comments