Nigeria Declares Nationwide Security Emergency Amid Surge in Kidnappings
Nigeria’s President on Wednesday declared a national security emergency following a significant rise in kidnappings across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responding to a growing wave of insecurity—particularly a spate of abductions—ordered Nigeria’s security forces, including the police and army, to substantially increase their personnel in a bid to counter the escalating threat.
According to a statement released by Nigeria’s State Assembly, the president has directed the national police to recruit 20,000 new officers, bringing the total number of recruits to 50,000. This measure is part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance the capabilities of security forces in order to curb criminal groups.
The surge in kidnappings, especially in rural areas and regions under the influence of armed groups, has sparked widespread concern within Nigerian society. Local media have described the government’s move as a direct response to the deteriorating security situation.
Reports indicate that some of the abductions are carried out by groups motivated by ransom demands, while others are attributed to insurgent factions. Civil society organizations and human rights advocates in Nigeria have warned that without fundamental reforms in the security and judicial systems, the crisis could deepen further.
