Tinubu declares state of emergency on Nigeria’s security training institutions

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency over Nigeria’s security training institutions, citing decades of neglect and outdated facilities as a major threat to the effectiveness of the nation’s internal security agencies. The directive affects training schools of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security organizations.

The announcement was confirmed by Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) ad-hoc committee tasked with assessing and revamping the country’s security training institutions. Governor Mbah made the disclosure while inspecting the facilities in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists, Governor Mbah said the committee’s visit validates President Tinubu’s decision to overhaul the institutions.

“The President recognized the urgent need for bold action to restore the professionalism, pride, and confidence of our men and women in the security sector,” he said. “This committee has 30 days to report back with recommendations for rebuilding, renovation, and re-equipping of all training facilities.”

The committee is divided into two teams. One, led by Nassarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, is visiting institutions in the North, while the southern team is currently inspecting facilities in Lagos. Consultants are also part of the team, tasked with conducting a deep assessment to determine what needs to be rebuilt, modernized, or upgraded.

Governor Mbah emphasized that the overhaul is a proactive initiative, not a reaction to external events.

“This directive was issued on October 20, long before any recent controversies,” he said. “It reflects a forward-looking plan by the President to equip our security personnel with world-class training facilities and 21st-century skills, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technologies essential for modern policing.”

Some of the facilities date back to 1948, highlighting the urgent need for modernization. The President has also approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers, a move that cannot succeed without adequate and up-to-date training institutions.