President Bola Tinubu has declared a security emergency over rising insecurity and approved the recruitment of 50,000 police officers to intensify the fight against terrorists and bandits.

He acknowledged the kidnappings of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno, saying their safe return was his administration’s priority. 

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” the president said on Friday.

“Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits,” the president said on Friday in his June 12 Democracy Day national broadcast. 

Mr Tinubu said he allocated more than N5 trillion in the 2026 budget to bolster security in the country.  

“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he added.

Thirty-nine children aged between two and 16 years old and seven teachers were abducted by terrorists on May 15 in Oriire LGA in Oyo state. Michael Oyedokun, a maths teacher, was beheaded in a video posted online by the terrorists.