Tinubu Orders Security Overhaul And New Police Recruits

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency as rising attacks across the country forced the government to launch a fresh push to restore order.

The announcement came from the State House, where he directed security agencies to expand their workforce and move quickly to address growing public fear.

The president ordered the Nigeria Police Force to recruit 20,000 new officers, raising the total planned intake to 50,000. He approved the use of National Youth Service Corps camps as temporary training centres so recruits can be deployed faster to troubled areas.

The move was introduced at a moment when communities in many states continue to face bandit raids, kidnappings, and armed violence. The government said the expanded workforce will strengthen patrols, improve intelligence gathering, and increase response time, especially in rural towns and forest zones.

Authorities also confirmed that police personnel previously assigned to VIP protection will return to general duty. The decision aims to free more officers for operations in high-risk locations where attacks have continued despite earlier interventions.

Security chiefs were directed to reorganise deployments, clear criminal hideouts, and support joint operations with the military. The plan forms part of a broader effort to rebuild public confidence and reduce the burden on overstretched units already working in conflict-prone areas.

The presidency said the emergency order marks a new phase in the battle against insecurity, with a focus on protecting lives, stabilising communities, and responding more swiftly to threats. Further details are expected as agencies begin full implementation of the new directives.