Defence Minister Christopher Musa says security agencies must remain politically neutral, intensify operations against terrorists and bandits, and rescue all Nigerians held captive.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to guarantee a safe environment for the 2027 general elections and intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians held by kidnappers, terrorists and bandits.

Christopher Musa, minister of defence, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Musa said the president had instructed security agencies to ensure free, fair and credible elections, allowing Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

“You can see all 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,” Musa said.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote.”

The minister assured Nigerians that security personnel would remain neutral throughout the electoral process, regardless of political affiliations.

He said no candidate or political party would be denied the opportunity to participate in the elections or subjected to intimidation by security operatives.

“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.

The assurance comes as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general elections, with security agencies expected to help prevent violence and protect voters before, during and after the polls.

Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue abductees

Beyond electoral security, Musa said Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits, dismantle their camps and secure the release of all abducted Nigerians.

“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 said.

“There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria.”

The directive comes amid persistent security challenges involving kidnappings, banditry and terrorism in parts of the country. The president’s order places renewed emphasis on locating abductees and preventing armed groups from maintaining operational bases.

However, Musa did not provide details of specific rescue operations, the number of people currently held captive or a timeline for carrying out the directive.

Tinubu plans to inaugurate new military aircraft

Musa also outlined measures the Federal Government is taking to strengthen the country’s security architecture, including increased recruitment, training and procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces.

He disclosed that Tinubu would soon inaugurate nearly 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters intended to improve military operational capacity.

According to the minister, the acquisitions reflect the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity despite prevailing economic challenges.

Musa also cited recent salary increases for military personnel and improved welfare measures for security personnel and pensioners as part of efforts to strengthen the security sector.

The government has continued to emphasise military capacity and personnel welfare as components of its response to Nigeria’s security challenges. However, the effectiveness of the new equipment and other measures will depend on their deployment and operational results.

Musa urges Nigerians to support security agencies

The defence minister called on Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities that could help prevent attacks and facilitate rescue operations.

He also encouraged citizens to report misconduct by security personnel, warning that officers found engaging in wrongdoing would face appropriate action.

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

He added that members of the public should not hesitate to report security personnel who act improperly.

The government’s directives place responsibility on security agencies to protect voters, pursue armed groups and rescue abducted citizens. Their implementation will be crucial to restoring public confidence in security operations and ensuring that insecurity does not undermine participation in the 2027 elections.