Nigeria to recruit more than 94,000 security personnel as government responds to rising insecurity

Nigeria will recruit more than 94,000 new security personnel as part of a nationwide effort to confront worsening insecurity, federal and sector officials said on Thursday.

Under the plan, the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force will recruit 50,000 constables. The recruitment portal will open from 15 December 2025 to 25 January 2026, the PSC said in a statement signed by its Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu.

The commission said the recruitment drive follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to strengthen community policing and expand the police manpower base. Applicants for the general duty cadre must hold secondary school qualifications with at least five credits, including English and mathematics, while specialist applicants must have relevant trade certifications and a minimum of three years’ experience. All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth.

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A Nigerian Army official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the press, said the service may recruit about 14,000 new soldiers in line with the president’s order. The Navy and Air Force have also been directed to increase intakes, though exact figures were not disclosed.

In June, the Ministry of Interior announced 30,000 new recruits across immigration, civil defence, fire and correctional services. Ministry officials said the process is being fast-tracked to deploy personnel as soon as possible.

Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency on 26 November, directing the police and armed forces to recruit massively as violence escalates across the country.