President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and authorized immediate expansion of Nigeria’s security personnel in response to escalating security challenges across the country.
In a statement issued from the State House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the President announced significant recruitment drives for both the police and military forces.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
Under the directive, the Nigeria Police Force will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total new intake to 50,000. The President has authorized the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as training facilities to accommodate the expanded recruitment exercise.
“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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,” he said.
The Department of State Services has also received presidential authorization to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to eliminate terrorists and bandits operating in Nigeria’s forests. The DSS has been directed to recruit additional personnel specifically for forest security operations.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” the President declared.
President Tinubu acknowledged recent security successes, commending security agencies for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. However, he emphasized that efforts continue to secure the release of students from a Catholic school in Niger State and other hostages.
Addressing the military directly, the President said: “This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself. I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”
The President called on the National Assembly to review existing laws to permit states requiring state police to establish them. He also urged state governments to reconsider establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security.
“Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas,” he advised.
On the persistent farmer-herder conflicts, President Tinubu pointed to the newly created Livestock Ministry as the solution, calling on herder associations to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons.
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all,” he stated.
The President paid tribute to Nigerians who have lost their lives in recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
Warning those behind the security challenges, President Tinubu said: “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.”
He urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, calling for cooperation with security agencies. “Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” the President concluded.
