Tinubu orders security chiefs to crush terrorist camps, rescue abductees

….Defence Minister assures opposition of neutrality ahead of 2027 polls

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits, dismantle their camps across the country and rescue all Nigerians held in captivity.

Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd), disclosed this at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting between the President and heads of security agencies.

Musa said the President directed that no terrorist or bandit camp should remain anywhere in Nigeria and that rescue of kidnapped persons must be prioritised.

“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. There should not be any camp of terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.

The minister said the meeting also focused on preparations for credible elections, with Tinubu directing security agencies to provide a safe environment for Nigerians to vote without intimidation or violence.

He assured political parties, especially opposition parties, that security personnel would remain professional and politically neutral.

“You can see all heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear that he wants a free, fair and credible election. We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for citizens to go out and vote,” he said.

“For all other political parties, they should understand that the security forces are going to be neutral. We are going to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to participate, so they have nothing to worry about and nothing to be afraid of. Nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons. We are all professionals, and we are fully committed,” Musa added.

The minister said the government was strengthening the capacity of security agencies through increased recruitment, training and procurement of equipment.

He disclosed that about 10 new aircraft and helicopters have been acquired to boost operations and would soon be commissioned by the President.

“Of recent, I want to assure you that very soon, Mr President is coming to commission a set of new aircraft and helicopters that have been bought. I think almost about 10 of them in number,” he said.

Musa said security remains a priority for the administration despite economic challenges, adding that government has improved welfare of security personnel through recent salary increases for the armed forces and efforts to address concerns involving the police, other agencies and military pensioners.

On allegations that the military was recruiting underage children, the minister dismissed the claims, saying the armed forces remain a professional institution. He said such allegations should be distinguished from claims concerning use of children by terrorist groups.

He called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing intelligence and reporting suspicious activities, including misconduct by security personnel, assuring that complaints would be investigated.

“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It is not only for members of the security forces. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.