Photo File: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency following a week of escalating kidnappings and terrorist attacks that saw more than 300 students and dozens of worshippers abducted across Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states. He ordered the mass recruitment of security personnel, including 20,000 additional police officers raising ongoing recruitment to 50,000 and authorized the military and DSS to enlist more personnel and deploy trained forest guards.

Tinubu also asked the National Assembly to begin work on legalising state police, and permitted NYSC camps to be used as temporary police training centres. He cancelled foreign trips as outrage intensified nationwide.

The attacks prompted the closure of many schools across nine states and the shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges. In Kebbi, a vice principal was killed and over 20 students abducted; in Niger, more than 300 pupils and 12 teachers were taken; and in Kwara, gunmen killed two worshippers and kidnapped 38 church members.

BACKLASH AGAINST NEGOTIATIONS WITH BANDITS

Federal lawmakers in both chambers sharply criticised the government for negotiating with bandits, arguing the practice emboldens criminals. They demanded a halt to negotiations, an investigation into the withdrawal of troops from attacked schools, and tougher penalties for kidnappers.

A coalition of House members, “House to the Rescue,” accused the government of betraying Nigerians and legitimising criminality. The African Democratic Congress and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the negotiations, alleging secrecy, ransom payments and government weakness.

Senators expressed concerns over intelligence failures, internal sabotage, and lack of transparency in rescue operations. Some called for foreign assistance and for the death penalty for kidnappers.

GOVERNORS’ POSITION & NEW SECURITY MEASURES

Southern governors declared that state police is now non-negotiable, urging decentralised policing to effectively tackle growing threats. Tinubu encouraged states to avoid remote boarding schools and told religious centres in high-risk areas to seek security protection.

The Police Service Commission and Nigeria Police Force launched a joint committee to recruit 30,000 more officers, following the withdrawal of police from VIP escorts. In Abuja, security agencies created a school intelligence network under Operation Sweep to prevent attacks in the capital.

Tragedy struck in Niger State as two parents of abducted pupils died, one from a heart attack after their children were taken from St Mary’s Catholic School.

Nigeria is facing a deepening security crisis, sparking emergency federal action, political division, and renewed calls for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.