Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Calls on National Assembly to Approve State Police Amid Surge in Banditry and Kidnappings

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency and called on the National Assembly to amend existing laws to allow states to establish their own police forces. He said the move has become urgent due to the rising cases of banditry, kidnappings and other violent crimes across the country.

As part of new security measures, the President directed the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, increasing the number of new officers to 50,000. Training for these recruits will be fast-tracked using NYSC camps as temporary police training centres. Officers withdrawn from VIP security duties are also expected to undergo quick retraining before being deployed to high-risk regions.

Tinubu further ordered the Department of State Services and forest-guard units to intensify operations aimed at flushing out armed groups hiding in forest areas.

He emphasized that the federal government will support any state that creates a security outfit to protect its citizens and complement national efforts.

The President also urged communities, schools in remote areas, and religious institutions to strengthen their security arrangements in response to the growing threats.