President Bola Tinubu has directed heads of security agencies to rescue all abducted persons and ensure that no terrorist or bandit camp remains anywhere in Nigeria, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has disclosed.
Musa made this known on Thursday, October 15, after a security meeting presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting brought together heads of the military, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to review the country’s security situation and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to the minister, Tinubu instructed security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups, locate Nigerians held in captivity and dismantle their operational bases wherever they exist.
“The directive from the President is that all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those who have been abducted or kidnapped, wherever they are,” Musa said.
He added that the President had made it clear that no terrorist or bandit camp should be allowed to operate anywhere in the country.
Tinubu Demands Coordinated Security Operations
The directive places renewed emphasis on the rescue of kidnapping victims and the disruption of terrorist and bandit networks across Nigeria.
Musa said the meeting provided an opportunity for security chiefs to brief the President on developments across the country and discuss measures to strengthen ongoing operations.
The minister also stressed the need for greater cooperation among security agencies, noting that tackling insecurity requires coordinated action, credible intelligence and sustained operational efforts.
The government has continued to face pressure to protect communities and secure the release of people abducted by armed groups. In Niger State, for instance, residents staged protests in September over the continued captivity of hundreds of people abducted in attacks on communities in the Borgu area.
Such incidents have intensified public demands for stronger action to prevent mass abductions, dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safe return of victims.
Security Agencies to Prepare for 2027 Elections
Beyond the fight against terrorism and banditry, Musa said Tinubu directed security agencies to provide a safe environment for Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming general elections.
The President, he explained, wants the elections to be free, fair and credible, with security personnel protecting voters and candidates without political interference.
Musa assured political parties, including opposition groups, that security agencies would remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
He said the government would not tolerate the intimidation of candidates or supporters and that all political actors should be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear.
The directive comes as political activities gradually increase ahead of the 2027 elections, making security arrangements and the impartial conduct of law enforcement personnel important issues for the electoral process.
New Aircraft to Boost Security Operations
Musa also disclosed that the Federal Government had acquired nearly 10 aircraft and helicopters expected to strengthen the operational capacity of the military.
He said Tinubu would commission the newly acquired equipment, describing the investment as part of the administration’s efforts to improve the country’s security capabilities despite economic challenges.
The minister also highlighted recent salary increases for military personnel and ongoing efforts to address welfare concerns involving the police, other security agencies and military pensioners.
According to him, improving personnel welfare remains part of the broader effort to support those responsible for protecting lives and property.
Musa Urges Nigerians to Support Security Agencies
The defence minister called on Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious movements and activities that could threaten public safety.
He also encouraged citizens to report misconduct by security personnel, assuring them that complaints would be investigated and appropriate action taken where necessary.
Musa maintained that security was a shared responsibility requiring cooperation between government institutions and the public.
Tinubu’s latest directive sets out the administration’s expectations for the country’s security leadership: intensify efforts to rescue abducted Nigerians, dismantle terrorist and bandit camps, and protect citizens as the country approaches another general election.
The extent to which these directives translate into successful rescue operations, safer communities and reduced criminal activity will remain a key measure of progress in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
