As Nigeria battles a rising wave of violence, kidnappings and deadly attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, signalling a major shift in the country’s fight against insecurity.

The president insisted that his administration is ready to confront criminals “with courage and determination” and assured citizens that they deserve to live without fear.

Tinubu Promises a Stronger, More Capable Security System

The president stressed that the government has the capacity and political will to end the terror unleashed by armed groups. His new strategy focuses on expanding manpower, boosting intelligence operations, empowering states and improving rural security architecture.

Massive Recruitment Into Police and Military

A central component of the new plan is large-scale recruitment. The Nigeria Police Force has been authorised to bring in 50,000 new officers, including the 20,000 positions previously approved. The military will also expand its numbers.

To fast-track recruitment and training, Tinubu approved the use of NYSC camps as temporary police training centres. In addition, all police officers currently serving as VIP escorts will be withdrawn and placed under intensive crash training before deployment to frontline areas where they are urgently needed. The president said the objective is to deliver “more efficient police services” to communities most affected by violence.

Forest Guards to Target Criminal Hideouts

Another key measure involves the State Security Services (SSS), which has received immediate authorisation to deploy all trained forest guards. These operatives were specifically prepared to track and confront criminals hiding inside forests — the same locations used by bandits, kidnappers and terrorists to store weapons and hold victims.

Tinubu also directed the SSS to begin additional recruitment, stressing that forests must no longer remain safe zones for attackers.

Federal Government Backs Move Toward State Police

In one of his boldest policy positions yet, Tinubu called on the National Assembly to amend relevant laws so that states wishing to establish their own police forces can do so. Although the president has previously spoken in favour of state policing, this marks his strongest push so far.

He also pledged federal support for states that already operate their own security outfits, describing them as essential partners in the fight against insecurity.

Unsafe School Locations Come Under Review

Tinubu cautioned state governments against building or maintaining boarding schools in remote or poorly secured areas. Noting the rise in school abductions, including the recent mass kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi, he urged states to reassess school locations and prioritise student safety in all education-related decisions.

Religious Centres Urged to Strengthen Security

The president also addressed the vulnerability of churches and mosques, which have been targeted in past attacks. He advised religious institutions to actively seek police and security protection when organising large gatherings, particularly in areas with limited law enforcement presence.

Ending Open Grazing and Embracing Ranching

In tackling the persistent herder-farmer conflict, Tinubu highlighted the importance of the newly created Ministry of Livestock. He encouraged herders’ associations to cooperate with the ministry, adopt modern ranching, and abandon open grazing,a practice that has fuelled deadly clashes across multiple states.

He also urged herders possessing illegal weapons to surrender them voluntarily, describing ranching as “the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.” According to him, the federal and state governments will work closely to reform the livestock sector “once and for all.”

A Comprehensive Plan With High Expectations

Tinubu’s security blueprint is one of the most wide-ranging interventions in years. Whether it delivers meaningful change will depend on the government’s ability to implement the measures consistently and the willingness of communities to embrace the reforms.

For now, Nigerians remain watchful and hopeful that this new direction will finally begin to reverse the country’s security challenges.