Tinubu Faces Pushback As Security Emergency Deepens

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency after a series of mass abductions and deadly attacks spread fear across several states.

He directed the army, police and intelligence services to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of new personnel. The move comes after back-to-back kidnappings in Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and other states forced school closures and sparked outrage nationwide.

The emergency order followed a week in which over 300 schoolchildren and dozens of worshippers were seized in separate raids. Some victims have been freed, but many remain missing. Communities hit by the attacks are still mourning the dead, including a vice principal killed during the Kebbi school invasion. The president also urged the National Assembly to begin the process of legalising state police, saying Nigeria needs stronger, locally controlled security structures.

The plan triggered an unusual clash at the National Assembly, where senators and House members openly criticised the government for entering negotiations with bandits to free abducted pupils and worshippers. Lawmakers demanded an immediate halt to talks with the armed groups, insisting the strategy encourages new attacks rather than stopping them. They also condemned the reported withdrawal of soldiers from the Kebbi school shortly before bandits struck and asked for those responsible to be identified and punished.

Lawmakers from both chambers accused the government of responding weakly to the crisis and warned that public trust is rapidly eroding. They argued that the country cannot keep losing citizens while criminals walk away without consequences. Several legislators called for a coordinated offensive against kidnapping networks, stronger intelligence-sharing, and an investigation into troop movements before the Kebbi attack. Some requested foreign support to help security agencies regain control.

Outside the National Assembly, political groups and opposition figures also faulted the government’s approach. The African Democratic Congress said the accounts of how victims were freed were unclear and suggested the Federal Government may have entered secret deals with insurgents. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the presidency of celebrating negotiations instead of confronting the criminals behind the wave of kidnappings.

In response to the crisis, Tinubu approved the recruitment of 20,000 more police officers and authorised NYSC camps to be used as training centres. He also ordered the deployment of trained forest guards, the withdrawal of VIP escorts back to active duty, and urged states to strengthen protection for schools and places of worship. The president called on citizens to remain calm and support security agencies, while insisting the emergency plan will restore peace.