BREAKING: Amid Massive Genocide And Banditry, Tinubu Authorises Police Recruitment of Additional 20000 Officers
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday placed strong emphasis on expanding the country’s policing capacity, announcing that the Nigeria Police Force is now authorised to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total number of new police recruits to 50,000.
The directive was issued as part of a nationwide security emergency declared by the President, according to a State House statement posted on X by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser and Spokesperson to the President.
Tinubu said the new police recruitment plan is a major step in strengthening internal security operations across the country. He explained that boosting police numbers is necessary to meet rising security demands in several regions. The President also stated that he had earlier approved a nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, but with the new directive, the police are now authorised to use National Youth Service Corps camps as additional training depots to speed up the process.
He added that officers currently being withdrawn from VIP guard duties must undergo crash training to prepare them for deployment to security-challenged areas. He said this retraining is expected to help improve policing efficiency and ensure that officers are properly equipped to handle high-risk environments.
The security emergency also covers other agencies. Tinubu directed the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests across the country. He also authorised the DSS to recruit more personnel to strengthen forest security operations and ensure that criminals no longer have places to hide.
Addressing Nigerians, Tinubu said the country is facing a critical moment that demands collective responsibility. He said, “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.”
The President commended security agencies for the successful release of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers kidnapped in Kwara State. He assured that efforts would continue until the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other abducted citizens are rescued.
Tinubu praised the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice, noting that this period is challenging both for the nation and for the military itself. He urged troops to remain disciplined and committed to restoring peace. He said, “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.”
The President also said the Federal Government will work with state governments that have established security outfits to safeguard their people. He called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing laws that would allow states to create state police if needed.
Tinubu urged state governments to reconsider the practice of establishing boarding schools in remote locations without adequate security measures. He encouraged religious institutions, especially those in vulnerable areas, to seek regular police protection during gatherings.
Speaking on the long-standing conflict between farmers and herders, Tinubu highlighted the creation of the Livestock Ministry. He described it as a pathway toward ending open grazing and reducing clashes. He urged herder associations to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons. According to him, “Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”
Tinubu expressed sympathy for families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. He paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who lost their lives while defending the country. He warned that those trying to undermine the government’s efforts should not mistake restraint for weakness, saying his administration will remain firm in ensuring peace and stability.
He repeated his sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the attacks and again honoured the sacrifices of security personnel who died in action. He encouraged citizens to remain strong, saying, “Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.”
Tinubu called on Nigerians to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies. He ended the statement with a message of hope: “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win. May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe.”
The statement was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
