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Facing an alarming surge in violence, kidnappings, and deadly assaults, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency on Wednesday, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to combating insecurity.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Security Framework: Tinubu’s Commitment
President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s readiness to confront criminal elements with unwavering resolve and assured Nigerians of their right to live free from fear. He highlighted the government’s political determination and capacity to dismantle the terror networks destabilizing the nation.
Expanding Security Forces and Enhancing Intelligence Capabilities
Central to the new security strategy is a significant expansion of personnel. The Nigeria Police Force has been authorized to recruit an additional 50,000 officers, supplementing the 20,000 previously approved. The military will also see an increase in its ranks to bolster frontline operations.
To accelerate recruitment and training, the government will repurpose National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary police training centers. Additionally, police officers currently assigned as VIP escorts will be withdrawn for intensive retraining before redeployment to critical hotspots, aiming to improve police responsiveness in violence-prone communities.
Deploying Forest Guards to Combat Criminal Hideouts
The State Security Services (SSS) has been empowered to immediately deploy specially trained forest guards tasked with tracking and neutralizing criminals who exploit dense forest areas as safe havens. These zones have long served as bases for bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists to store arms and detain victims.
President Tinubu also called for increased recruitment within the SSS, underscoring the imperative that forests no longer serve as sanctuaries for armed groups.
Backing State Police Initiatives for Localized Security
In a decisive policy move, Tinubu urged the National Assembly to amend legislation allowing states to establish their own police forces. While he has previously supported state policing, this marks his most assertive endorsement to date.
The federal government also pledged support for states already operating security outfits, recognizing them as vital collaborators in the nationwide security effort.
Reassessing School Safety in Vulnerable Regions
Highlighting the alarming rise in school kidnappings, including recent mass abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, President Tinubu urged state governments to reconsider the locations of boarding schools. He stressed the importance of prioritizing student safety by avoiding remote or poorly secured areas in educational planning.
Enhancing Security Measures at Religious Institutions
Addressing the security risks faced by churches and mosques, which have been targets of violent attacks, the president encouraged religious leaders to actively seek police protection for large gatherings, especially in regions with limited law enforcement presence.
Promoting Ranching to Resolve Herder-Farmer Conflicts
To mitigate the ongoing herder-farmer clashes, Tinubu highlighted the role of the newly established Ministry of Livestock. He called on herders’ associations to collaborate with the ministry, adopt modern ranching techniques, and abandon open grazing-a practice linked to numerous violent confrontations across several states.
The president also urged herders in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily, describing ranching as the sustainable future for livestock farming and a pathway to national peace. He affirmed that federal and state governments will jointly pursue comprehensive reforms in the livestock sector.
A Bold Security Vision with Hopeful Prospects
Tinubu’s comprehensive security plan represents one of the most ambitious efforts in recent years. Its success will largely depend on consistent implementation by the government and the cooperation of local communities in embracing these reforms.
As Nigerians watch closely, there is cautious optimism that this renewed strategy will begin to reverse the country’s persistent security challenges.
