FG Approves Recruitment of 94,000 Personnel to Tackle Nationwide Insecurity
The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of more than 94,000 new personnel across Nigeria’s security agencies as part of a renewed nationwide push to curb rising insecurity.
Under the new recruitment plan, the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will enlist 50,000 police constables. The online recruitment portal will open to eligible Nigerians from December 15, 2025, and will close on January 25, 2026.
In a statement on Thursday, the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, said the exercise follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to strengthen community policing, expand the police manpower base and enhance internal security operations.
According to the PSC, applicants for the General Duty cadre must possess GCE Ordinary Level, SSCE/NECO, or equivalent results with at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, obtained in no more than two sittings. Specialist applicants must have a minimum of four credits and demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience alongside trade test certifications. Only Nigerian citizens by birth are eligible.
A senior official of the Nigerian Army, who spoke anonymously, disclosed that the Army plans to recruit about 14,000 soldiers in line with the presidential order. Although the Navy and Air Force have not released specific figures, sources within the services confirmed plans for expanded recruitment.
This comes after the Ministry of Interior announced in June that it had commenced a nationwide recruitment of 30,000 personnel into the paramilitary services, with the process now being accelerated.
President Tinubu had on November 26 declared a national security emergency and ordered the immediate expansion of security personnel across the Police, Armed Forces, and paramilitary agencies.
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Reactions to the Recruitment Drive
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, applauded the Federal Government’s decision, describing it as timely given the rising security threats across the nation. During a visit to the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), Mutfwang expressed confidence that the increased manpower would greatly support ongoing military interventions.
He also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, arguing that Nigeria needs a decentralised policing model capable of addressing region-specific threats. According to him, the nation may require over one million police personnel to meet the United Nations’ recommended policing ratio.
Retired military officers also welcomed the development but warned that recruitment must be based on merit and accompanied by improved training and equipment.
Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (retd.) described the move as a “necessary first step” but stressed that Nigeria must focus on proper vetting, modern training, and significantly expanding the Army’s strength over the coming years.
Similarly, Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) cautioned against political interference, insisting that only dedicated and capable applicants should be enlisted.
Calls for Merit-Based Recruitment
Legal and community policing experts also emphasised the need for transparency. Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Committee of Chairmen, Benin Zone, Adebanjo Ebhoade, urged the government to shield the recruitment exercise from political influence.
Segun Ebenezer, a member of the Oyo State Community Policing Advisory Committee, warned that massive recruitment increases the risk of admitting unvetted and poorly qualified individuals, stressing the importance of thorough training and integrity screening.
State-Level Security Concerns
Some states have also called for urgent reforms. The Attorney-General of Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), renewed his call for the
