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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military personnel as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and combat rising threats across the country.
According to Vanguard on Friday, the President announced the initiative during his Democracy Day address on Friday, acknowledging that the national celebration was clouded by the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states. Despite the unfortunate incidents, he expressed confidence that the victims would be safely reunited with their families.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” Tinubu said.
Emphasising the critical role of security in sustaining democratic governance, the President declared that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
“Democracy without security is not solid enough,” he stated, adding that his administration has already declared a security emergency and is implementing measures aimed at reinforcing the nation’s defence and law enforcement capabilities.
Among the key initiatives unveiled by the President is a large-scale recruitment exercise that will bring over 50,000 new personnel into the Nigeria Police Force, alongside thousands of additional military recruits. The move is expected to strengthen security operations nationwide and address manpower shortages in key security agencies.
Tinubu also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to security through unprecedented funding. According to him, the 2026 national budget allocates a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security, underscoring the administration’s determination to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
The President issued a strong warning to bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, and their sponsors, urging them to surrender while the opportunity remains available.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he warned.
Tinubu further called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity, cautioning against attempts to attribute criminal activities to particular ethnic groups.
“Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability, the President said the government remains focused on defeating terrorism and creating a safer environment for citizens and investors alike.
The recruitment drive comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face security challenges in several regions, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and kidnapping incidents in various parts of the country. Analysts say the planned expansion of security personnel, combined with increased funding, could significantly enhance operational capacity if effectively implemented.
As Nigerians commemorated Democracy Day, Tinubu’s message blended determination with reassurance, promising tougher action against criminal elements while expressing hope for the safe return of abducted children and a more secure future for the nation.
