*DSS to deploy trained Forest Guards to Terrorists’ Hideouts
By Olawale Lamina
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, resulting in a sweeping measures deployed to check perennial attacks in many states and reinforcing the nation’s security apparatus.
In a statement, Tinubu ordered an unprecedented recruitment across the armed forces and security agencies, mandating the Nigeria Police Force to immediately shore up its numerical strength with additional 20,000 new officers.
The Presidential authorization now brings total new intakes of the men of the police force under his administration to 50,000.
“Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.
“The police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers,” the President stated.
He announced that police authorities are now permitted to convert National Youth Service Corps camps into training depots to fast-track the exercise.
He added that police officers withdrawn from VIP duties are also to undergo rapid retraining before redeployment to frontline areas.
Tinubu also empowered the Department of State Services, DSS, to deploy all trained forest guards and immediately recruit more personnel to secure forests long used as hideouts by terrorists and armed bandits.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he assured.
“This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas,” he said.
He acknowledged the coordinated security operations that resulted in the rescue of 24 kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 abducted worshippers in Kwara State.
The president stated efforts are on to secure the freedom of remaining hostages, including students kidnapped from the Catholic School in Niger State.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and sacrifice,” but cautioning “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you.”
,He warned again that, “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe.”
He pledged federal support for states operating local security outfits and urged the National Assembly to review the constitution to allow states that desire it to establish their own police forces.
Tinubu called on states to review the location of boarding schools in remote areas,while calling on religious institutions in vulnerable zones to seek enhanced police protection.
He reassured Nigerians on his administration’s commitment to resolving the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, the President referenced the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
“I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.”
The president expressed condolences on behalf of the Federal Government to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States, while paying tribute to soldiers who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies.
“I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together to defend our freedom and values. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
The President prayed God to continue to bless Nigeria and keep the nation’ armed forces safe.”
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