President Bola Tinubu has instructed security commanders to secure the release of all citizens currently held by bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers, emphasizing that criminal networks must not be permitted to maintain camps anywhere within the country.
The President also ordered security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the 2027 general election, warning against voter intimidation and the use of security personnel to interfere in the electoral process.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), disclosed the directives to journalists on Thursday after a security meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting, which lasted more than three hours, was attended by heads of the military, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, who reviewed the security situation across the country and preparations for the elections.
Speaking on behalf of the security leadership, Musa said Tinubu had directed the agencies to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, dismantle their hideouts and rescue abducted citizens.
“The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted or kidnapped wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces and other security agencies would carry out coordinated operations to eliminate threats to national security and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
The directive comes amid concerns over Nigerians who remain in terrorist captivity in parts of the country.
In Borno State, some abductees have reportedly spent more than 150 days in captivity, prompting Governor Babagana Zulum to renew calls for intensified rescue efforts. Other victims remain in terrorist custody in Zamfara and Niger states.
Security Agencies Warned Against Election Interference
Musa said Tinubu also charged security agencies to remain politically neutral and provide a safe environment for voters and political parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said the President wanted a free, fair and credible election, with security personnel protecting citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
“The President made it very clear he wants a free, fair, and credible election,” the minister said.
“We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote.”
Musa urged eligible voters not to be discouraged by security concerns, assuring them that adequate protection would be provided before, during and after the elections.
“We are determined to ensure that we provide safety and security for all Nigerians. Everyone should come out and vote; vote for whoever they want,” he said.
“The President wants the atmosphere to be free, and all other political parties need to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral.”
He warned that security personnel must not intimidate voters or give any political party an unfair advantage.
The defence minister also disclosed that Tinubu would soon inaugurate about 10 newly acquired military aircraft and helicopters to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
He said the government had stepped up recruitment, training and equipment procurement to improve the military’s ability to tackle security threats across the country.
“Many things have been done: an increase in the recruitment processes, training exercises, and procurement,” Musa said.
“Soon, Mr President will inaugurate a set of new aircraft and helicopters that have been bought, about 10 of them.”
He added that the administration was addressing the welfare of serving and retired security personnel, including salary increases and concerns over remuneration and pensions.
Minister Dismisses Claims Of Underage Military Recruits
Musa also rejected allegations that the Nigerian Armed Forces recruited or deployed underage persons, insisting that the military maintained professional recruitment standards.
He said the involvement of children in armed conflicts was associated with terrorist organisations that recruited or exploited minors, rather than the conduct of Nigeria’s military.
The minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities and reporting misconduct by security personnel.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
He added that complaints against personnel who acted improperly would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
“Whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members who are not doing what is right, please don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken,” Musa said.
Those present at the meeting included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and the service chiefs.
Others were Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu has mandated security forces to intensify rescue operations for all abducted citizens and dismantle criminal enclaves nationwide. Additionally, security agencies have been strictly warned to maintain political neutrality, avoid voter intimidation, and provide a secure environment for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The administration is also bolstering military capabilities through the upcoming inauguration of new aircraft and improved personnel welfare.
- Positive Impact: Enhanced military operations could significantly reduce insecurity, rescue long-term captives, and ensure a peaceful, safe atmosphere for citizens to exercise their voting rights without fear.
- Potential Concerns: The persistent presence of captives in states like Borno, Zamfara, and Niger highlights the ongoing scale of the challenge, requiring sustained tactical pressure and effective implementation to fully restore public safety.
