The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of more than 94,000 personnel across the country’s security agencies as part of an aggressive response to rising insecurity nationwide.
According to The PUNCH, the Police Service Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, will lead the exercise with the enlistment of 50,000 police constables, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu.
The recruitment portal will be open from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026, and is available to eligible Nigerian applicants.
“This recruitment follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive aimed at strengthening community policing, enhancing internal security, and expanding the manpower base of the Nigeria Police Force,” the PSC said.
“The portal will be open to accept applications from eligible Nigerians beginning December 15.”
Applicants for the General Duty cadre are required to possess five O’level credits, including English and Mathematics, while Specialist applicants must show proof of relevant experience and trade test certifications. All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth.
A senior military officer, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly, revealed that the Nigerian Army may recruit up to 14,000 soldiers following the presidential order.
The Navy and Air Force are also expected to increase their intakes, though exact figures were not immediately provided.
In June, the Ministry of Interior launched a plan to hire 30,000 personnel across the Nigeria Immigration Service, Fire Service, Civil Defence, and Correctional Service. Officials told our correspondent that the process is being fast-tracked.
President Tinubu had on November 26 declared a nationwide security emergency, directing security agencies to boost manpower to confront terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, welcomed the move during a meeting with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), in Abuja. He described the personnel boost as timely and necessary.
“Nigeria urgently needs more boots on the ground. If there is an opportunity to get more personnel, Plateau State is ready to key in,” Mutfwang said.
“If we have the right manpower, equipment and motivation, the security situation will improve.”
He reiterated his support for the creation of state police, arguing that each region faces different security threats that require tailored responses.
Retired military officers and security experts praised the decision but cautioned that recruitment must be rigorous.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro said the numbers were significant but not sufficient on their own.
“It is a welcome signal, but numbers alone cannot secure Nigeria. What matters is who we recruit, how they are trained, and the doctrine guiding their deployment,” Aro said.
“If recruitment is compromised by corruption or poor vetting, we will multiply existing problems.”
Another security expert, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), stressed the need to hire only committed and qualified Nigerians.
“They must ensure they employ the right people—those who are committed, not politically selected. If recruitment is thorough, everything else will follow,” he said.
The Chairman of the NBA Committee of Chairmen (Benin Zone), Adebanjo Ebhoade, warned against political interference.
“Recruitment must not become a means to settle political IOUs. Let the best candidates be chosen on merit,” he said.
In Ondo State, Attorney-General Kayode Ajulo (SAN) insisted that federal policing alone could no longer address Nigeria’s diverse security problems.
“A centralised police system cannot effectively tackle regional threats. State police is no longer optional—it is necessary,” he said.
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo urged the new Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, General Ahmed Balogun, to prioritise securing the state.
“We will work with you wholeheartedly to ensure Edo remains secure,” the governor said.
“We are also procuring drones with advanced capabilities to support security operations.”
Balogun pledged to strengthen cooperation and highlighted areas needing urgent attention, including the Ekenwa Barracks Road and the upgrade of military facilities.
The Chairman of the NBA, Ibadan Branch, Ibrahim Lawal, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to rebuild Oyo’s security architecture after recent kidnappings.
“Oyo used to be one of the most secure states, but things have deteriorated. The government must urgently restore the state’s security structure,” he said.
Lawal urged the Commissioner of Police to overhaul security operations in the state.
