The president gave the Department of State Services (DSS) approval to deploy trained forest guards and recruit more staff to flush out armed groups hiding in forests. "There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil," Tinubu said in a televised address.
The announcement follows recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara states, where dozens of civilians were killed and kidnapped.
Tinubu commended security forces for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, and vowed to free remaining hostages, including students abducted in Niger state.
Tinubu urged parliament to review laws to allow states to establish police forces and called on religious institutions to seek security protection during gatherings. He also pressed herder associations to embrace ranching and surrender illegal weapons, citing efforts to end clashes with farmers.
"I sympathise with families who lost loved ones and pay tribute to our brave soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba," Tinubu said. "Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness."
Nigeria faces persistent violence from Islamist insurgents, armed bandits and communal clashes that have killed thousands and displaced millions in recent years.
(Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )