By Peter Omopo
President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all citizens held captive by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, ordering them to dismantle criminal camps across the country.
The President also charged security chiefs to ensure a peaceful environment for the 2027 general election, warning against voter intimidation and the use of security personnel to favour any political party.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), disclosed the directives to journalists on Thursday after a security meeting with Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. The meeting, which lasted more than three hours, reviewed the country’s security situation and preparations for the forthcoming elections.
Musa said the President had instructed security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups, locate their hideouts and secure the release of abducted Nigerians.
According to the minister, Tinubu made it clear that no terrorist or bandit camp should be allowed to operate anywhere in the country.
The directive comes amid continuing concerns over Nigerians held captive in several states, including Borno, Zamfara and Niger. In Borno, some abductees have reportedly spent more than 150 days in captivity, prompting Governor Babagana Zulum to call for stronger rescue efforts.
On the 2027 general election, Musa said Tinubu had directed security agencies to remain politically neutral and protect voters and political parties throughout the electoral process.
He said the President was committed to a free, fair and credible election and expected security personnel to provide adequate protection so eligible Nigerians could vote without fear or intimidation.
Musa urged Nigerians not to allow security concerns to discourage them from participating in the elections, assuring them that security agencies would work to maintain peace before, during and after the polls.
The minister warned that security personnel must not intimidate voters or give any political party an unfair advantage.
He also disclosed that Tinubu would soon inaugurate about 10 newly acquired military aircraft and helicopters as part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
Musa said the Federal Government had increased recruitment, expanded training activities and invested in equipment procurement to improve the military’s response to security threats.
He added that the administration was addressing the welfare of serving and retired security personnel, including salary adjustments and concerns relating to remuneration and pensions.
The defence minister also dismissed allegations that the Nigerian Armed Forces recruited or deployed underage personnel, insisting that the military adhered to professional recruitment standards. He said the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts were associated with terrorist organisations.
Musa called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities and reporting misconduct by security personnel.
He assured the public that complaints against officers who acted improperly would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
Those who attended the meeting included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu, and the heads of the military and intelligence agencies.
Also present were Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed and Director General of the Department of State Services Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
