Sequel to the withdrawal of police officers attached to the VIPs nationwide, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Police High Command to debrief the officers through crash training.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Prompt News reports that President Tinubu recently directed the nation’s Police Chief, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw all police personnel attached to the VIPs on guard duties.
“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.
“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“The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of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.”
To ensure simultaneous training of the new recruits across the country, the police bosses have been authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.
The President spoke further, “My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and 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.
“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.
I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.
“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.
“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.
“I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant. Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”
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