President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits while ensuring a secure environment for the 2027 general elections.
The directive followed a high-level security meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, attended by senior military, intelligence and law enforcement officials.
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, a retired general, disclosed the President’s instructions while briefing journalists after the meeting.
According to Musa, Tinubu demanded stronger efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and secure the release of Nigerians being held by kidnappers.
“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 stated.
The minister said the President also emphasised the importance of protecting democratic participation during the forthcoming elections.
He explained that security agencies had been directed to maintain professionalism, remain politically neutral and prevent intimidation of voters or political parties.
Musa assured Nigerians that security personnel would work towards creating conditions in which citizens could exercise their voting rights without fear.
He added that opposition parties and their supporters should expect equal protection under the law.
Addressing the country’s broader security challenges, the defence minister said the government was strengthening operational capacity through additional recruitment, training and equipment procurement.
He disclosed that nearly 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters were expected to be commissioned by the President.
According to him, the planned commissioning forms part of efforts to improve the military’s ability to respond to security threats across the country.
Musa also welcomed recent salary improvements for Armed Forces personnel, noting that the welfare of police officers, other security operatives and pensioners remained under consideration.
He maintained that effective security operations required cooperation among agencies and sustained support from members of the public.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces,” he said.
The minister encouraged Nigerians to report suspicious activities and misconduct involving security personnel, assuring them that complaints would receive attention.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorist and bandit camps while pursuing the rescue of abducted citizens.
The meeting brought together National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.
Also present were senior military commanders, including Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff Idi Abbas and Chief of Air Staff Sunday Aneke.
Other participants included Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, National Intelligence Agency Director-General Mohammed Mohammed and Department of State Services Director-General Adeola Ajayi.
The discussions reflected the administration’s stated intention to address ongoing insecurity while preparing security institutions for their responsibilities during the next general elections.
Musa maintained that coordinated operations, improved equipment and public cooperation would remain central to achieving those objectives.
Ezeana Emmanuel
