ABUJA; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide state of emergency on security, unveiling sweeping measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes gripping several parts of the country.
The President, who personally signed the directive, said the gravity of the current situation demanded urgent, extraordinary steps, noting that “this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground.” In the statement dated November 26, 2025, President Tinubu authorised the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to embark on immediate recruitment drives to expand their operational strength.
According to him, the police will recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising ongoing recruitment to 50,000, while also being empowered to convert National Youth Service Corps camps into training depots. He further directed that police officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties undergo accelerated retraining for redeployment to security flashpoints across the country.
The President also ordered the Department of State Services to deploy all trained forest guards to “flush out terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests,” while giving the agency fresh approval to recruit more operatives to secure national forest corridors. “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
Tinubu commended security agencies for the coordinated operations that led to the rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara State. He assured Nigerians that efforts would continue until the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and all other abductees across the country are safely freed. He urged the military to remain resolute, disciplined and uncompromising in restoring peace across all theatres of operation, stressing that the administration would provide all necessary support.
The President also announced federal backing for state security outfits already established by subnational governments and called on the National Assembly to commence a review of existing laws to enable states that require it to establish their own police forces. He advised states to reconsider the practice of operating boarding schools in remote areas without adequate protection, and urged religious institutions, particularly in high-risk locations, to ensure constant security presence during worship activities.
Tinubu highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a long-term measure to end herder-farmer clashes and appealed to herder associations to embrace ranching, abandon open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony,” he said.
Expressing condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, the President also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, describing their sacrifices as “the ultimate price for national peace.” He warned those testing the government’s resolve not to mistake restraint for weakness, insisting that his administration possesses “the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”
Tinubu urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies. He called on the public to report suspicious activities and refuse to succumb to fear. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said, praying for continued divine protection for Nigeria and its armed forces.
