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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to remain neutral and ensure a safe environment for the 2027 general elections.
He also ordered an intensified nationwide offensive against terrorists and bandits, directing security agencies to rescue all abducted Nigerians and dismantle criminal camps wherever they exist.
Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (rtd) disclosed this Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the president chaired a National Security Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister said the president demanded free, fair and credible elections, stressing that Nigerians must be able to vote safely, regardless of their political affiliations.
“You can see all the 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.
Addressing concerns about conduct of security personnel during the polls, the minister assured opposition parties of equal protection and urged political actors to trust the agencies’ professionalism.
“For all other political parties, they should understand that the security forces are going to be neutral. We are going to ensure that we give everybody the opportunity to go and serve, so they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,” he said.
…Tough stance on terrorists, kidnappers
On the campaign against insecurity, the minister said the president issued explicit instructions to pursue criminal groups, locate their hideouts and secure the release of those in captivity.
“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 terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
Musa said the administration was expanding recruitment, training and equipment procurement to strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to execute their assignments.
He disclosed that the president would soon commission nearly 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters to enhance military operations.
According to him, the acquisitions demonstrate the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity despite prevailing economic challenges.
The minister also cited recent salary increases for military personnel and measures to improve the welfare of serving personnel and pensioners as efforts to boost morale and strengthen the security sector.
He urged Nigerians to assist security agencies with credible information on suspicious activities and report personnel involved in misconduct.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
The minister assured Nigerians that personnel found culpable of wrongdoing would face appropriate action, adding that security agencies would continue coordinating their operations to protect citizens and tackle insecurity.
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