By Semafor Africa
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
Nigeria’s president declared a national security emergency and named nominees to fill key ambassadorial posts, as he grapples with mass kidnappings that represent his biggest crisis since taking office two years ago.
The abduction of hundreds of children in two northern states last week — including more than 300 from a Catholic school — comes as Washington threatens sanctions and military action over claims that Christians are targeted in violent attacks.
Tinubu, announcing the “nationwide security emergency” this week, vowed to nearly double the initial target for a new police recruitment drive to 50,000 officers.
The army will also add to its ranks, he said, describing Nigeria as being in “a challenging moment.”
The Nigerian leader also, finally, nominated ambassadors to the US, UK, and France, after hollowing out the diplomatic service in 2023.
The absence of senior diplomats to advocate for Nigeria’s government through backchannels has weakened the country’s international standing and helped US allegations of Christian persecution take hold in the White House.
