Nigeria declares security emergency as President Tinubu calls for state police

President Bola Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to review existing laws to allow individual states to establish their own police forces, in a move aimed at tackling the escalating insecurity across Nigeria. The call comes amid rising incidents of armed banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks in several parts of the country, which have placed increasing pressure on federal security agencies.

In a formal statement declaring a nationwide security emergency, President Tinubu emphasized that his administration will provide full support to state governments that have taken steps to create local security outfits. These measures are intended to complement the efforts of the federal police and other security agencies in protecting citizens from terrorist activities and other forms of violent crime.

As part of his broader security strategy, the President outlined plans to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers to strengthen law enforcement capacity nationwide. Furthermore, trained forest guards will be deployed in vulnerable areas, while the Armed Forces will be reinforced in regions experiencing heightened security threats.

President Tinubu also called on educational institutions, religious centres, and other public spaces in high-risk locations to maintain a continuous police presence, ensuring the safety of students, worshippers, and community members.

The President stressed that these initiatives are part of a comprehensive approach to curbing the growing insecurity in Nigeria, protecting lives and property, and restoring public confidence in the country’s security apparatus. He underscored the importance of cooperation between federal and state authorities, as well as community participation, in creating safer environments for all Nigerians.

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