KEY POINTS
- Nigeria nationwide security emergency declared to fight kidnappings.
- Police and army recruitment accelerated to strengthen forces.
- Lawmakers criticise bandit negotiations, demand accountability for troop withdrawals.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the army, police, and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
He also urged the National Assembly to begin the process of legalising state police to counter the recent spike in kidnappings and terrorist attacks.
The news came after a lot of people were kidnapped, including 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, more than 300 students and teachers in Niger State, and 38 churchgoers in Kwara State.
The attacks prompted the closure of federal unity schools across multiple states. Tinubu approved the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, bringing the ongoing drive to 50,000, and authorised the temporary use of NYSC camps as training depots.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other lawmakers warned that negotiating with bandits could embolden criminals and worsen the security crisis. Before the Kebbi school kidnapping, some senators, notably Enyinnaya Abaribe, called for responsibility for troop withdrawals. Senate President Godswill Akpabio cited intelligence failures and internal sabotage undermining operations.
The President commended security agencies for recent rescues and urged citizens to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activity to assist authorities.
State and federal coordination intensifies amid kidnappings
Tinubu directed the DSS to deploy trained forest guards and authorised further recruitment to flush out criminals hiding in forests. Governors from southern states, including Ogun’s Dapo Abiodun, emphasised the urgent need for state police, calling decentralised security a non-negotiable component of effective federalism.
The Police Service Commission and Nigeria Police Force inaugurated a joint committee to recruit 30,000 additional officers, ensuring a transparent and efficient process. At the same time, the FCT Police set up an intelligence network that connects schools and religious centers to find threats before they happen.
The spate of kidnappings has had terrible effects. Two parents of abducted children reportedly died from stress-related causes. Religious and community leaders called for stronger protection for schools and worshippers.
President Tinubu also reiterated that his administration’s restraint does not signal weakness. “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness,” he said, assuring Nigerians that his government will restore peace and security nationwide.
