Tinubu declares state of emergency in police training institutions

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in police and other security training institutions across Nigeria as part of renewed efforts to address the nation’s security challenges.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC) committee on the overhaul of security training facilities, announced this during an inspection tour of the Police Training College in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Mbah, the initiative followed the President’s presentation at the 152nd NEC meeting two weeks ago, where he expressed concern over the poor condition of police and security training institutions nationwide.

He emphasized that the move was not in response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s security issues but a proactive measure to modernize and professionalize the country’s security sector.

“The President recognises the need for bold and urgent steps to restore the pride, professionalism, and confidence of our security personnel,” Mbah said. “You cannot expect people who protect our communities to be trained in inhumane environments. This is a proactive decision, not a reactionary one.”

The committee, which includes governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), with former Inspector-General of Police Baba Usman as Secretary, has been given 30 days to submit its report.

Mbah added that the committee had divided into two teams—one for facilities in the North, led by the Nasarawa governor, and another for those in the South. Consultants will also carry out a detailed assessment of the institutions’ needs for rebuilding, equipment, and sustainability.

He noted that the President’s recent approval for the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel made the overhaul even more urgent.

“This is an emergency, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” Mbah stated.