Nigeria will recruit more than 94,000 new security personnel as part of a nationwide push to curb rising insecurity, federal officials said on Thursday. Moreover, the plan forms a major component of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to strengthen security agencies across the country.
Police Begin Process to Hire 50,000 Constables
The Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force will recruit 50,000 constables. According to a statement signed by PSC spokesperson Torty Kalu, the recruitment portal will open from 15 December 2025 to 25 January 2026.
Kalu said the recruitment drive supports the President’s order to reinforce community policing and expand police manpower. Applicants seeking general duty roles must possess secondary school qualifications with at least five credits, including English and mathematics. In addition, specialist applicants must present relevant trade certifications and a minimum of three years of experience. All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth.
Army, Navy and Air Force to Expand Manpower
A Nigerian Army official, who spoke confidentially, said the service may hire about 14,000 new soldiers under the same directive. Furthermore, the Navy and Air Force have been instructed to increase their intakes, although they have not released specific numbers.
In June, the Ministry of Interior announced 30,000 new recruits across the immigration, civil defence, fire and correctional services. Ministry officials said the process is being fast-tracked to ensure swift deployment.
Tinubu’s Security Emergency Triggers Massive Expansion
President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency on 26 November, directing security agencies to scale up recruitment immediately. Consequently, police, military and paramilitary organisations have activated accelerated hiring programmes to close manpower gaps as violence continues to escalate in several regions.
Officials say the combined recruitment of more than 94,000 security personnel will boost response capacity, strengthen border security and support community-level policing nationwide.
