Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the army, police and intelligence services to immediately expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel as a response to rising attacks and abductions by gunmen and suspected terrorists across the country.

In his declaration on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu also authorised the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.

“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.

“By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000,” he said in a statement he personally signed.

Tinubu, who said that he had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, authorised the security agency to use various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as training depots.

According to him, the officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo “crash training” to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.

The Nigerian leader also authorised the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.

“The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.

“My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck.

 “As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” he said.

Tinubu commended security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State.

He also said that his administration would continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic school in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.

“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself.

“I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity,” he said.

He called on the National Assembly to begin the review of Nigeria’s laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.

GIK/APA