President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency in Nigeria, unveiling a series of comprehensive measures aimed at confronting criminals with courage and determination to restore peace across the country. This declaration comes in response to a surge in kidnappings, bandit attacks, and violent clashes that have plagued northern and central states. President Tinubu emphasized his administration's unwavering commitment to combating terrorists, bandits, and other violent groups, asserting that the government possesses both the capacity and the will to ensure the safety of its citizens, who deserve to live without fear.

A major component of these new security measures involves significant recruitment into the nation's security forces. President Tinubu authorized the Nigerian Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total number of new recruits to 50,000. He also directed the Nigerian Army to recruit more personnel to boost manpower across security-challenged areas. To expedite the training process, police authorities have been empowered to utilize National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training depots. Furthermore, officers currently assigned to Very Important Person (VIP) protection duties will be withdrawn and undergo specialized crash training to enhance their operational efficiency before being deployed to vulnerable regions, thereby providing more efficient police services where they are most needed.

Addressing the issue of criminals using forests as sanctuaries, President Tinubu granted the Department of State Services (DSS) immediate authority to deploy all already trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits lurking within these terrains. He further directed the DSS to recruit additional personnel to strengthen forest security operations, unequivocally stating, “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.” By enhancing intelligence and surveillance capabilities in these forested areas, the government aims to disrupt the operations of violent groups that use them for planning attacks, storing weapons, and holding abducted victims.

President Tinubu also called for a review of Nigeria’s existing legal framework to allow for the establishment of state police. He urged the National Assembly to begin the process of amending relevant laws, signaling a readiness from the federal government to decentralize policing in response to escalating insecurity and increasing pressure from state governments. Additionally, he pledged his administration’s support to state governments that have already established their own security outfits to complement federal structures, emphasizing the need for states to strengthen their individual security arrangements.

Protecting vulnerable populations and institutions remains a priority. The President cautioned state governments against establishing boarding schools in remote or poorly secured areas, citing the rising pattern of school abductions and stressing that student safety must take precedence. He urged states to reassess existing school locations and ensure adequate security provisions. Similarly, he advised churches and mosques to consistently seek police and other security protection for large gatherings, especially in vulnerable areas, highlighting concerns over attacks on religious congregations and rural communities.

Regarding the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending open grazing. He encouraged all herder associations to engage fully with the newly created Ministry of Livestock, to embrace ranching as the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony, and to surrender any illegal weapons. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, committed to working with these associations to resolve the problem “once and for all.”

President Tinubu took a moment to commend the security agencies for their coordinated efforts, which led to the successful release of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. He assured the nation that efforts would be sustained to rescue the remaining students of the Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage. He praised the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces, charging them to remain resolute, restore peace across all theatres of operation, and uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and vigilance. He stressed that “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.”

Expressing profound sympathy for the families who have lost loved ones in recent attacks across Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara states, President Tinubu also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. He conveyed a strong message to those who might test the nation’s resolve, stating, “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.” Concluding his address, the President urged all Nigerians not to succumb to fear or despair, but to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, asserting, “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.” The full statement, conveying these directives and calls to action, was dated November 26, 2025.