BREAKING: Tinubu Declares Security Emergency, Approves Recruitment Of Police, Soldiers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated that the success of democracy depends largely on the ability of government to guarantee the safety of its citizens, declaring that democratic governance cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, violence and insecurity.

The President made the remarks during a nationwide broadcast on Thursday to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and commemorate Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.

Addressing the nation, Tinubu acknowledged that the significance of the annual celebration had been overshadowed by recent security incidents, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in parts of Oyo and Borno states. He expressed concern over the incidents and assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims.

According to the President, the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the country’s security architecture and ensuring that citizens can live, work and pursue their aspirations without fear.

“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.

The President stressed that security remains the foundation upon which democratic institutions and national development are built.

“Democracy without security is a mirage,” he stated, noting that no nation can fully enjoy the benefits of democratic governance if criminal activities continue to threaten lives and property.

As part of efforts to address the growing security challenges across the country, Tinubu disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of thousands of additional security personnel.

He revealed that more than 50,000 new police officers would be recruited to strengthen law enforcement capabilities nationwide, while the military would also receive thousands of new recruits to boost ongoing operations against criminal elements.

According to him, the expansion of security personnel is intended to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen response capacity and enhance protection for vulnerable communities across the federation.

The President also highlighted the government’s financial commitment to security, revealing that the 2026 national budget contains the largest allocation ever made to the defence and security sector in Nigeria’s history.

He said the Federal Government had earmarked ₦5.41 trillion for defence and security-related activities, reflecting the administration’s determination to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to national stability.

“Our 2026 budget commits ₦5.41 trillion, our largest ever, to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he said.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the government would continue to invest in modern equipment, personnel training, intelligence capabilities and inter-agency cooperation to strengthen national security.

He further emphasized that protecting citizens remains one of the administration’s highest priorities, adding that security agencies have been directed to intensify efforts against criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.

The President called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of credible information and community cooperation, noting that the fight against insecurity requires a collective national effort.

He also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the democratic process, stressing that despite existing challenges, the country’s democratic journey remains on a path of progress and consolidation.

The Democracy Day address formed part of activities marking nearly three decades of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria since the return to civilian rule in 1999.