Tinubu Declares Emergency on Security Training Institutions

Tinubu Declares Emergency on Security Training Institutions: A Comprehensive Overview

On November 4, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria officially declared a state of emergency concerning the condition of training facilities for internal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

 This decisive move was prompted by growing concerns over the outdated and inadequate state of these institutions, which are responsible for preparing personnel tasked with safeguarding the nation's internal security and upholding human dignity.

The announcement was made public by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC) ad-hoc Committee on the overhaul of security training institutions. Governor Mbah disclosed the President’s directive during an on-the-spot inspection of training facilities in Lagos. He was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Committee Secretary and former Inspector General of Police Alkali Usman Baba, and Assistant Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu, who oversees the Special Protection Unit (SPU).

President Tinubu’s directive was issued during the NEC meeting held on October 23, 2025. He expressed deep concern that the current state of these training institutions does not align with his broader vision of transforming Nigeria’s economy into a one trillion-dollar powerhouse within the next five years.

The President emphasized the urgent need for modernization, noting that the quality of training directly impacts the professionalism and effectiveness of security personnel in their interactions with citizens.

The NEC ad-hoc committee has been given a 30-day timeline to submit a comprehensive report detailing the scope of the problem and recommending actionable solutions. This report is expected to guide the federal government’s next steps in revamping the infrastructure, curriculum, and operational standards of these institutions.

Tinubu’s declaration is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture, improve public trust in law enforcement, and ensure that security personnel are equipped with the skills and values necessary to operate in a democratic society.

The move also signals the administration’s commitment to aligning security sector reforms with its economic development goals, recognizing that a secure environment is foundational to sustainable growth.

This emergency declaration has sparked discussions among stakeholders in the security and governance sectors, with many viewing it as a long-overdue intervention that could reshape the future of policing and civil defense in Nigeria.