Tinubu Unveils Bold Six-Point Plan To Tackle Nigeria’s Insecurity
By NJORIGE LYNUS
FACING mounting pressure over rising insecurity across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and outlined a six-point strategy aimed at confronting terrorists, bandits, and other violent groups. Speaking on the urgency of restoring public safety, the president emphasized that Nigerians have the right to live without fear, and the government possesses both the capacity and determination to ensure this.
1. Massive Police Recruitment and Redeployment
Central to the plan is the reinforcement of Nigeria’s security manpower. Tinubu directed the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 50,000 personnel, with 20,000 already authorised to join earlier. This expansion targets communities with little or no police presence, aiming to strengthen frontline operations nationwide.
To accelerate readiness, the president has approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities and ordered the withdrawal of officers from VIP security duties to undergo “crash training” for redeployment to vulnerable areas. Tinubu described this initiative as essential to “debrief and deliver more efficient police services,” particularly in regions plagued by violent crime.
2. Deployment of Trained Forest Guards
Recognizing forests as hideouts for armed groups, Tinubu tasked the State Security Service (SSS) with deploying trained forest guards. These operatives will target terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers who exploit remote terrains. The SSS has also been authorised to recruit additional personnel to secure these areas, reflecting the administration’s commitment to eliminating safe havens for criminal networks.
3. Support for State Policing Initiatives
In a move that could reshape Nigeria’s security framework, Tinubu called on the National Assembly to amend laws to allow states to operate their own police forces. This initiative supports decentralization, giving states greater autonomy to address local security challenges. He further pledged backing for states already running security outfits, signaling federal collaboration in enhancing regional law enforcement capacity.
4. Safeguarding Schools
Amid rising incidents of student kidnappings, the president urged state governments to avoid establishing boarding schools in remote or poorly secured locations. Tinubu stressed that student safety should take precedence over expansion or convenience, urging a thorough review of school siting and security provisions.
5. Protection of Religious Gatherings
Addressing attacks on mosques and churches, the president called on religious institutions to seek police protection for large gatherings, especially in vulnerable areas. This directive underscores the government’s concern for soft targets often exploited by violent actors, and reflects a proactive approach to preventing mass casualties during worship.
6. Ending Open Grazing and Promoting Ranching
In response to conflicts between herders and farmers, Tinubu reiterated the importance of modern livestock management. He encouraged herders to adopt ranching, surrender illegal arms, and collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock to reduce clashes. The president emphasized that ending open grazing is key to ensuring sustainable agriculture and long-term national harmony.
Looking Ahead
President Tinubu framed the six-point plan as part of a broader vision to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture. By boosting manpower, targeting criminal strongholds, supporting local policing, protecting vulnerable communities, and reforming livestock management, his administration aims to tackle insecurity from multiple angles.
While details of implementation remain to be fully revealed, the emergency measures signal a proactive, multi-layered approach to a challenge that has increasingly dominated national discourse. Nigerians and state governments alike will be watching closely to see whether these directives translate into tangible improvements on the ground, and whether they can finally curb the wave of violence that has long plagued communities across the country.
