President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to intensify operations to rescue all kidnapped victims and destroy camps belonging to terrorists and bandits nationwide.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this while speaking with State House correspondents after a security meeting with the President in Abuja.
He said the meeting focused on the current security situation in the country and preparations for the forthcoming elections, noting that the President was determined to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible polls.
According to him, security agencies have been mandated to ensure that Nigerians can vote without fear or intimidation.
He assured Nigerians that security operatives would conduct themselves professionally and remain neutral, providing all parties and candidates with a level playing field during the electoral process.
The minister also debunked claims that minors were being recruited into the military, stressing that the armed forces adhered to strict recruitment standards.
Musa disclosed that the Federal Government was strengthening the capacity of security agencies through fresh recruitment, training and the acquisition of modern equipment, including new aircraft and helicopters scheduled to be commissioned by the President.
He said the recent salary increment for military personnel demonstrated the President’s commitment to their welfare, adding that other security agencies were also being considered.
The defence minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful information about suspicious movements and reporting any misconduct by operatives, stressing that security was everyone’s responsibility.
“The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those who have been abducted or kidnapped, wherever they are.
“There shouldn’t be any camp belonging to terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he stated.
Kidnap victims: Bring all captives home – Tinubu charges security chiefs