FG okays recruitment of 94,000 new security officers
The Federal Government has approved plans to hire more than 94,000 new officers across Nigeria’s security services in response to the rising wave of insecurity nationwide.
As part of the plan, the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will jointly recruit 50,000 police constables.
According to a statement issued by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, the application portal will be open from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
The PSC noted that the recruitment aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to strengthen community policing, reinforce internal security, and boost police manpower. Applicants for the General Duty cadre must possess at least five credits—including Mathematics and English—in their GCE, SSCE, or NECO results, in no more than two sittings. Specialist applicants are expected to have similar credits, alongside three years of experience and relevant trade certifications. Only Nigerian citizens by birth are eligible.
A senior Army officer, who was not officially cleared to speak, confirmed that the Nigerian Army is preparing to enlist up to 14,000 new soldiers in line with presidential orders. Although the Navy and Air Force did not give specific figures, sources revealed that both services are also planning to increase their recruitment numbers.
Earlier in June, the Ministry of Interior announced plans to hire 30,000 new staff into paramilitary agencies, and officials indicated that the process was being accelerated to ensure early deployment.
This wave of recruitment follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency in November 2025.
Leaders Welcome the Move Amid Worsening Security Threats
As violent attacks and insecurity continue to spread across Nigeria, many leaders have applauded the Federal Government’s decision to boost security personnel.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the move as timely, saying the nation urgently needs more security presence. During a visit to Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), he pledged full cooperation with the Federal Government on restoring peace in Plateau. Mutfwang argued that Nigeria must expand its police force significantly—possibly up to one million officers—to ensure at least one police officer is posted to every village.
He also reaffirmed his support for the creation of state police, insisting that effective policing requires localised structures supported by strong legislation.
Security Experts: Recruitment Must Be Thorough and Strategic
Retired military experts also reacted, stressing that increasing numbers alone will not solve Nigeria’s security problems.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro said the planned injection of 94,000 personnel shows government recognition of the scale of the crisis. However, he insisted that rigorous vetting, modern training, and a stronger military doctrine are essential. He added that although 50,000 new police officers is significant, Nigeria is still far below the UN-recommended policing ratio, and the Army’s planned 14,000 recruits are far too few for a country engaged in multiple conflicts.
Similarly, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) said recruitment must prioritise competence and patriotism, warning against political interference.
Officials from the Nigerian Bar Association also cautioned that the process must be transparent and reserved strictly for qualified candidates.
Adebanjo Ebhoade, NBA Benin Zone chair, advised that recruitment should be overseen by a neutral body composed of retired security professionals to prevent political patronage.
Community policing advocate Segun Ebenezer warned that massive recruitment often attracts nepotism and urged the government to ensure strict vetting, merit-based selection, and comprehensive training.
Calls for State Police Intensify
Meanwhile, Ondo State Attorney-General Kayode Ajulo (SAN) reiterated that the country urgently needs state police, arguing that security challenges across regions vary widely.
He said President Tinubu’s recent push for constitutional review on state policing acknowledges the need for decentralised, region-specific security structures.
States Seek Stronger Military Support
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo urged the new commander of 4 Brigade, General Ahmed Balogun, to partner with the state in restoring safety. He assured the military of ongoing support, including procurement of high-capacity drones and improvements to barracks infrastructure.
General Balogun, in response, promised to intensify operations and strengthen collaboration with the state government.
Oyo NBA Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Security
In Oyo State, the Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, Ibrahim Lawal, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently overhaul the state’s security architecture. He warned that recent incidents—such as the kidnapping of APC chieftain Wale Oriade—indicate a worrying decline in safety.
The state government, however, has assured residents that efforts are underway to reinforce security across the state.