Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Police Training Institutions

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Nigeria’s police and security training institutions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and improve law enforcement capacity across the country.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who also chairs the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on the overhaul of security training institutions, disclosed this on Tuesday during the committee’s visit to the Police Training College in Ikeja, Lagos.

Mbah explained that the initiative followed Tinubu’s proposal at the 152nd NEC meeting two weeks ago, where the President expressed deep concern over the dilapidated state of training facilities nationwide.

He clarified that the move was not in response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s security situation, but rather a proactive measure by Tinubu to modernize the country’s security infrastructure.

According to Mbah, Tinubu believes effective security begins with quality training in conducive environments, equipped with modern tools and teaching methods.

“The President recognises that we cannot expect our men and women to uphold law and order when they are trained in poor, inhumane conditions,” Mbah said. “This decision is not reactive but part of the President’s forward-thinking approach to restore professionalism and pride in our security services.”

The committee, which includes governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), with former Inspector-General of Police Baba Usman as secretary, has been given 30 days to submit a detailed report.

Mbah revealed that the team has split into two groups, one inspecting facilities in the North, led by Governor Sule, and another visiting Southern institutions. Consultants will also conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the level of rehabilitation, equipment, and support required.

He added that the President has already approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, stressing that such expansion demands well-equipped and functional training facilities.

“This is an emergency, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” Mbah emphasized.