In response to the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency. This declaration allows for the recruitment of additional personnel in the army and police, with the police set to onboard 20,000 new officers.
In a statement, Tinubu ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to combat terrorism and banditry in rural areas. He emphasized that there would be no sanctuary for criminals, urging state governments to explore establishing state police to bolster local security measures.
The President highlighted the need for increased cooperation among security agencies and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by security forces, promising continued support for operations aimed at ensuring peace and safety across the nation.
Tinubu also discussed the need to end open grazing by herders, advocating for ranching as a sustainable solution to conflicts between herders and farmers. He called for unity among Nigerians to tackle security challenges, stressing the importance of integrity and discipline within the armed forces.
This announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts to resolve kidnapping incidents, and Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rescuing those in captivity, including schoolgirls and other civilians.