What It Means To Declare A Nationwide Security Emergency In Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced a nationwide security emergency following a surge of violent attacks across several regions.

In a statement, he announced major security directives, saying, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”

Under the new measures, both the military and police will expand their personnel, with Tinubu confirming, “The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.” He also authorised the use of NYSC camps as temporary police training centres and ordered rapid retraining for officers withdrawn from VIP duties to improve deployment to high-risk areas.

Tinubu empowered the DSS to operationalise its forest security structure, stating, “The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.”

He added firmly, “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”
The President described the situation as “a national emergency” and urged citizens to support government efforts: “The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.”

He commended recent security successes, assured ongoing rescue operations, and encouraged herders to embrace ranching, noting, “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward.”

Tinubu also issued a firm warning to perpetrators of violence: “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.” He concluded by calling for unity and vigilance, saying, “I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair… We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

What Is A Security Emergency?

A security emergency is a comprehensive and aggressive response to criminals and threats across the country.

The government establishes extraordinary security measures to confront existential threats to public safety, deploying expanded military and police resources, accelerating recruitment, and authorising heightened operations in troubled zones.

The declaration was made due to the worsening security situation in Nigeria, which requires urgent and decisive action. The mandate of security agencies is to protect lives and property with full government backing.

What It Means?

The nationwide security emergency triggers emergency-level responses: the military, police, and intelligence agencies are authorised to expand recruitment and deploy additional forces, especially to security-challenged areas.

For example, the national police force was ordered to recruit an extra 20,000 officers, bringing the total targeted recruitment up to 50,000.

Intelligence and forest-guard units are being activated or strengthened to clear terrorist hideouts, particularly in rural or forested regions.

What The Law Says About Emergency In Nigeria

Under Section 305(3), the President may proclaim a state of emergency if certain conditions exist, including an actual or imminent breakdown of public order and safety, a threat to national security, war or insurrection, or other public dangers threatening the federation’s existence.

The declared emergency can initially last up to six months, and extensions, if any must follow constitutional procedures.

The goal is to restore public order, protect lives and property, and reinforce state capacity to respond to widespread insecurity by deploying “more boots on the ground” and mobilising all security agencies for coordinated action.