Tinubu moves to tackle terrorism, declares nationwide security emergency

Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency while ordered additional recruitment into the Armed Forces to tackle the country’s insecurity.

In a statement signed by the President on Wednesday revealed that by this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel with additional 20,000 Police officers, bringing the total to 50,000.

According to him, “Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.

“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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 President added.

Tinubu pressed further that the DSS also has his authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in the country’s 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”, He added.
The President revealed further that since this is a national emergency, making his administration 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 the security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
He vowed that his administration will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of the 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”.

Tinubu charged them to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.
He said, “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed”.

Tinubu recalled that his administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers while urged on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.

“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming, national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all”, he said.
The President sympathized with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States and also paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

Tinubu urged Nigerians not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. “Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.

While calling on all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, the President begged the citizens to report any suspicious activitie and cooperate with security agencies. “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win”, he said.