….Police to recruit 50,000
….Officially bans open grazing
….Says ” Ranching is the way to go”
President Bola Tinubu has declared an emergency in the security sector, ordering more recruitment into the Nigerian Army and the Police Force to strengthen security.
In a move aimed at tackling the incessant war between farmers and herders, the President called on cattle owners to embrace ranching as the new way forward.
The President, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, stated that considering the “emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces”.
By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.
The President who had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities and recruitment of 30,000 policemen, said the police authorities can recruit additional 20,000 and by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
The President also directed that the officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.
” The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests. The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.
The President described the current situation as a ” national emergency”, adding that ” we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.
President Tinubu however, commended the security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State.
” We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.
“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself.
The President charged the security operatives to “remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.
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“In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.
He also called on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
According to him ” States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security. Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas”
He assured that his administration which had already created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, has also called on ” all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons”
He stated that ” Ranching is now the path way forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.
” The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.
” I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States. I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
” 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 and ensure our citizens live in peace.
The President, while also sympathising with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States, also paid tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
“Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.”
Tinubu urged all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious activities.
HE also charged Nigerians to “Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
