What to know about President Tinubu’s nationwide security emergency
By Adeola Atanda
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, declared nationwide security emergence following the upsurge of terrorism in the country, directing fresh recruitments into the army, police, and mandating the Department of State Security to enlist more forest guards.
The President, in his speech, said he took the decision “in view of the emerging security situation”. In his speech on the emergency security measures, Tinubu ordered “additional recruitment into the Armed Forces” and the police – which will now recruit a total 50,000 new intakes into the paramilitary force. Furthermore, he “authorized” the “use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots” for the would-be recruits as he equally directed that police officers withdrawn from special protection services for the VIPs “should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.” On their own part, the DSS fresh forest guard recruits are “to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests,” the President said.
While commending the Armed Forces for their “courage and sacrifice”, the President urged them “to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.”
“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,” he assured.
Moreover, President Tinubu urged the National Assembly to initiate a constitutional review to accommodate the desires of some states to set up their local police. On ensuring security at worship centers, Tinubu advised that “mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.”
As an additional measure, Tinubu says that states who establish “boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security” to “rethink” their policies. To curtail recurring farmer-herder clashes in some parts of the country, President Tinubu urged cattle breeders to “end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.”
“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all,” the President told cattle breeders.
Tinubu warned that “those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness”, stressing that his “administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”
“Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union. I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
