President Tinubu Orders Recruitment of 30,000 Police Officers Amid Rising Abductions

Presidential Directive on Police Reinforcement

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers to address the escalating security challenges, particularly a surge in mass abductions across the country. The directive was issued on Sunday, November 23, 2025, during a high-level security meeting held in Abuja with top security officials.

The President's decision aims to significantly boost police presence, especially in remote areas where law enforcement is currently limited.

Redeployment of Officers from VIP Protection

In a related move, President Tinubu also mandated the withdrawal of police officers currently assigned to protect Very Important Persons (VIPs). These officers will be redeployed to core policing duties, including community policing and counter-insurgency operations.

According to statements from the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be provided with armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Estimates suggest that approximately 100,000 police officers were previously attached to VIPs and politicians, diverting significant manpower from general public protection.

Context of Rising Insecurity

The directive comes in response to a severe wave of abductions, including a recent incident where gunmen kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers from a Catholic boarding school in central Nigeria. While 50 students have reportedly escaped, a search and rescue operation for the remaining individuals is ongoing. This event is part of a broader pattern of mass kidnappings by armed gangs, often referred to as 'bandits,' who operate in the northwest and central regions of the country.

The President's office confirmed that he is receiving regular updates on the security situation and has vowed that his government 'will not relent until every hostage is freed.'

Future Plans for Police Modernization

Beyond immediate recruitment and redeployment, the federal government is also collaborating with state governments to upgrade police training facilities across the nation. The security meeting where these decisions were made included key figures such as:

• Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff
• Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff
• Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police
• Tosin Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)

This comprehensive approach underscores the administration's commitment to enhancing law enforcement capacity and improving public safety throughout Nigeria.