President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security leadership to create conditions for peaceful participation in the 2027 elections while intensifying operations to rescue people held by kidnappers and armed groups across the country.
The directives followed a National Security Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, attended by the heads of the armed forces, intelligence organizations, and police, as well as senior officials responsible for national security. The meeting lasted approximately five hours.
Speaking to journalists afterwards, Defence Minister Christopher Musa said the president had emphasized his expectation of a free, fair and credible election and insisted that security personnel must remain neutral. Musa assured political parties and voters that they should be able to participate without intimidation, irrespective of their preferred candidates.
Among those at the meeting were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede; the army, navy and air force chiefs; Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu; Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and the heads of the National Intelligence Agency and Department of State Services.
Musa said the president had instructed security agencies to pursue the rescue of abducted citizens and deny terrorists and bandits safe operating bases. He called for cooperation from the public, including reporting misconduct by security personnel, and said complaints would be acted upon.
The minister also rejected suggestions that the Nigerian military recruited children, distinguishing those allegations from reports that terrorist organizations use underage recruits.
On equipment and welfare, Musa disclosed that the president was expected to inaugurate approximately 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters to strengthen aerial surveillance. He also indicated that improvements to remuneration were being considered for police, other security services and pensioners, following recent increases for armed forces personnel.
The assurances put a spotlight on the practical tests facing the security establishment: impartial deployment, protection of voters and election officials, and measurable progress against kidnapping ahead of the polls. Musa’s remarks set out the administration’s intentions; their implementation will require continued public scrutiny.
