In a sweeping move to confront Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the recruitment of more than 94,000 new personnel across the country’s security agencies.

The expansion, announced on Thursday, comes as President Bola Tinubu intensifies his November-declared national security emergency.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) will lead the drive, onboarding 50,000 constables beginning December 15. PSC Head of Protocol Torty Kalu confirmed the police recruitment portal will remain open until January 25, 2026, targeting both general duty applicants (requiring five O’ Level credits including English and Mathematics) and specialist cadres (four credits plus trade certifications and three years’ experience).

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, aged 18–25, with height and chest requirements varying by gender. Successful candidates will undergo rigorous training, with emphasis on community policing to strengthen internal security.

Beyond the police, the Armed Forces will expand: the Army plans to enlist about 14,000 soldiers, while the Navy and Air Force will boost intakes proportionally. The Interior Ministry also confirmed accelerating the June 2025 recruitment of 30,000 paramilitary officers across Immigration, NSCDC, Fire Service, and Corrections.

The initiative follows Tinubu’s November 26 emergency declaration, directing expanded forces to confront banditry, insurgency, kidnappings, and farmer-herder clashes that have claimed thousands of lives in 2025. Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang welcomed the move but called for state police and recruitment beyond the UN’s 1:500 officer ratio, suggesting Nigeria may need over 1 million officers nationwide.

Security experts praised the scale but warned of risks. Retired Brig. Gen. Peter Aro cautioned against turning recruitment into “political parking lots,” urging merit-based vetting and modern training. Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) echoed the call for thorough screening to ensure committed personnel.

Legal and political voices have also weighed in. NBA’s Ibrahim Lawal urged Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde to rebuild state security amid recent kidnappings. Ondo Attorney General Kayode Ajulo (SAN) advocated state police for tailored responses to regional threats like cultism and oil theft, ahile Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo tasked the new 4 Brigade Commander Gen. Ahmed Balogun with freeing the state from crime, pledging drones and infrastructure support.

With over 94,000 new boots on the ground, the initiative could reshape Nigeria’s security posture but success could depend not only on manpower but on transparency, training, and tackling root causes such as ungoverned spaces.