President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to dismantle terrorist and bandit camps, rescue abducted Nigerians and strengthen security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting between Mr Tinubu and heads of security agencies at the State House, Abuja.

Mr Musa said the president had ordered security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits to ensure that all Nigerians held captive were rescued.

“The directive from the president is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are,” he said.

He said Mr Tinubu also stressed the need for free, fair and credible elections, assuring Nigerians that security agencies would remain professional and neutral.

“You can see all heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair, and credible election.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote,” he said.

The minister assured political parties and their supporters that security agencies would provide a level playing field without intimidation.

“All other political parties should understand that the security forces are going to be neutral, we’re going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve.

“So they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and that nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,” he said.

Mr Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ professionalism, saying security agencies were working together to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

He said there should be no terrorist or bandit camps anywhere in the country, reiterating the government’s commitment to rescuing abducted persons.

Responding to questions about protecting lives ahead of the elections, Mr Musa said the government had increased recruitment, training and procurement of security equipment.

He disclosed that newly acquired aircraft and helicopters would soon be commissioned by the president.

“Of recent, I want to assure very soon, Mr President, is coming to commission. A set of new aircraft and helicopters have been bought. I think almost about 10 of them in number,” he said.

Mr Musa said the planned commissioning demonstrated the administration’s continued attention to security despite prevailing economic challenges.

He also welcomed the recent salary increase for Armed Forces personnel, adding that the welfare of police officers, other security personnel and pensioners was receiving attention.

The minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and misconduct by security personnel.

He said: “Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces.

“Everyone has a role to play, and we keep on preaching whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members that are not doing what is right. Please don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken.”

Those at the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam; and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Others were the special adviser to the President on Homeland Security, retired Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, also attended.

The meeting also included the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the State Security Service, Adeola Ajayi. 

(NAN)