President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted citizens and strengthen security nationwide, as the Federal Government prepares for the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday met with service chiefs and heads of security agencies at the State House in Abuja to review the country’s security situation and discuss measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The high-level security meeting, which lasted approximately five hours, focused on tackling insecurity, rescuing kidnapped Nigerians, and providing a safe environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights during the forthcoming elections.
At the meeting, the President charged security chiefs to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible, while directing them to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating across the country.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, said the President emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security before, during and after the elections.
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According to Musa, Tinubu assured Nigerians that security agencies would remain neutral throughout the electoral process and provide adequate protection for voters, political parties and candidates.
“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,” the minister said.
Musa urged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process without fear, stressing that citizens should be free to vote for candidates of their choice.
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He also warned against political intimidation, assuring political parties that security personnel would not take sides or allow any candidate to threaten or harass opponents.
“The President wants the atmosphere to be free, and it’s important for all other political parties to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral,” he added.
The minister said security agencies were committed to providing a level playing field for all political actors and ensuring that eligible voters could participate in the elections safely.
Tinubu Orders Rescue of Kidnap Victims
Beyond preparations for the 2027 elections, the President reportedly directed security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue Nigerians being held captive by kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements.
Musa said the directive required all relevant agencies to step up operations and ensure that abducted persons were rescued wherever they were being held.
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“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. There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he stated.
The directive underscores the administration’s stated commitment to confronting persistent security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, which have continued to threaten communities and disrupt economic and social activities in parts of the country.
Musa reiterated that the military remained committed to tackling insecurity and called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
He also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities and misconduct by security personnel to the appropriate authorities.
Defence Minister Rejects Claims of Underage Military Recruitment
During the media briefing, Musa also addressed allegations concerning the recruitment of underage individuals into military operations.
The defence minister rejected claims that the Nigerian military was deploying underage personnel, arguing that the allegations being discussed concerned terrorist groups recruiting children.
“There is nobody that is underage that is being brought here. I think the discussion that was made was that the accusation was on the terrorists using the underage,” he said.
His remarks came amid broader concerns about the use of children by armed groups in conflict situations, an issue that has attracted international attention and raised questions about the protection of minors in areas affected by violence.
Tinubu to Inaugurate Newly Acquired Aircraft
In another development, Musa disclosed that Tinubu would soon inaugurate approximately 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters intended to strengthen the country’s security operations.
According to the minister, the new platforms are expected to enhance aerial surveillance and support security agencies in their efforts to combat criminal activities across the country.
Improved aerial capabilities could support intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational coordination, particularly in areas where difficult terrain and the movement of armed groups present challenges for ground forces.
However, further details regarding the specific aircraft, their operational deployment and the date of the proposed inauguration were not provided in the minister’s remarks as reported.
Tinubu Plans Salary Structure Extension for Security Personnel
Musa also revealed that the President intended to extend the new salary structure to police officers, other paramilitary personnel and pensioners.
The proposed extension would cover additional categories of security and paramilitary workers, although the minister did not provide further details on the implementation timeline or the financial implications of the plan.
The development could form part of broader efforts to improve the welfare of personnel responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting lives and safeguarding national security.
Top Security Officials Attend Meeting
The meeting was attended by key officials responsible for Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and internal security operations.
Those present included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam; and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Also in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
Other participants included the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.).
Their participation highlighted the administration’s focus on coordination among the country’s security institutions as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Nigerians Urged to Support Security Agencies
Concluding his remarks, Musa called on Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that maintaining peace and protecting lives required collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to provide useful intelligence, remain vigilant and report suspicious activities while allowing security personnel to carry out their duties within the law.
As Nigeria approaches another major electoral cycle, the effectiveness of security preparations, the protection of voters and the neutrality of security agencies are expected to remain critical issues.
The President’s directives place renewed emphasis on addressing kidnapping and terrorism while ensuring that political participation is not undermined by violence, intimidation or insecurity.
Whether these commitments translate into measurable improvements will depend on the implementation of the directives, the effectiveness of security operations and the ability of relevant agencies to protect Nigerians across the country.
