In a strong speech on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency for national security and cautioned those who wish to test the strength of his administration not to mistake his restraint for weakness.
Additionally, the president instructed the appropriate authorities to increase the number of soldiers and police.
This came after terrorists caused increased security breaches in several sections of the nation, particularly in the states of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger.
Remember that on Wednesday, the president increased the number of police officers to 20,000 from the initial 30,000.
Additionally, Tinubu suggested that state governments reconsider the notion of setting up boarding schools in isolated locations without sufficient security.
He stated that when mosques and churches congregate for prayer, they should always look for police and other security protection, especially in regions that are vulnerable.
In his own words, Tinubu declared, “I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the armed forces today in view of the emerging security situation.”
This announcement authorizes the army and police to recruit additional personnel. The police will hire 20,000 more officers, making a total of 50,000.
“This declaration authorizes the police authorities to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots, even though I had earlier approved the nationwide renovation of police training facilities.
“To debrief them and provide more effective police services when assigned to security-challenged areas of the country, the personnel being removed from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training.
“The DSS also has the authority to send out all of the forest guards who have already received training to drive out terrorists and baddies who are hiding in our forests right away. I have also instructed the agency to hire extra men to staff the forests. Agents of evil will no longer have a place to hide.
“My fellow Nigerians, we are responding to this national emergency by increasing the number of boots on the ground, particularly in places with limited security. All hands must be on deck at certain times. We should all take part in safeguarding our country as Nigerians.
“I would like to use this opportunity to thank our security agencies for cooperating in order to achieve the release of the 38 worshippers in Kwara State and the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi. We shall keep up our efforts to free the remaining Catholic School kids in Niger State as well as those Nigerians who are currently being kept captive.
“I applaud the bravery and sacrifice of our military services’ leadership and rank and file. This is a difficult time for both the military establishment and our country. I implore you to maintain the greatest standards of integrity and discipline, to remain unwavering, and to bring peace back to all operational arenas. There cannot be any negligence, collaboration, or compromise. The Nigerian people are depending on you, and this administration will give you the help you require to be successful.
Additionally, our administration will assist state governments who have established security forces to protect their citizens from terrorists determined to disturb the calm in our country.
“I urge the National Assembly to start examining our legislation so that states that mandate state police can create them.
States must to reconsider setting up boarding schools in isolated locations without sufficient protection. When gathering for prayer, mosques and churches should always look for police and other security support, especially in regions that are vulnerable.
“To resolve the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders, our administration established the Livestock Ministry. I urge all herder groups to seize this opportunity, put a halt to open grazing, and turn in illicit firearms. Now, ranching is the way forward for both national cohesion and sustainable animal rearing. The federal government will cooperate with the states to find a permanent solution to this issue.
“I offer my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the recent attacks on soft targets in the states of Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara. I also honor our valiant warriors, such as Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who have given their lives.
“Those who wish to put our determination to the test should never assume that we are weak. This administration has the bravery and tenacity to protect the nation and guarantee that our people live in harmony.
“My fellow citizens, I implore you to resist giving in to fear and despair. To protect our freedom and ideals, let’s unite with power and purpose. Our government will keep upholding our union and ensuring peaceful coexistence. I implore all Nigerians to maintain composure and alertness. Report any questionable activity. Collaborate with security services. Together, we are fighting this battle, and we will prevail.
“May God continue to protect our armed forces and bless Nigeria.”
Tinubu Suggested Ambassadors for France, the UK, and the US
In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu has proposed non-Camer ambassadors to France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
On Wednesday, Mr. Bayo Onanuga’s X handle disseminated the information.
Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Ayodele Oke are the three nominees.
“President Tinubu has nominated non-career ambassadors for three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and France,” is the complete text of the telegram. Following Senate scrutiny, the positions will be finalized. Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are, and Ambassador Ayodele Oke are the three candidates.
“Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, who was initially appointed in 2016, was Nigeria’s ambassador to South Korea during President Buhari’s government.
Former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and former Nigerian ambassador to the Secretariat of the Commonwealth of Nations in London, Ambassador Ayodele Oke is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta.
“Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are was an officer in the Directorate of Military Intelligence, Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) from 1999 to 2007, and National Security Advisor in 2010.” In 1980, he earned a First Class Honors degree in psychology from the University of Ibadan.
