Tinubu Directs Security Agencies to Ensure Credible 2027 Elections, Rescue Abductees

Christopher Musa, minister of defence, says President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

Christopher Musa, minister of defence, spoke on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting of the national security council (NSC) presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said the president also instructed security agencies to ensure a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“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 said security personnel would remain neutral, without intimidating candidates or denying any political party the opportunity to participate in the elections.

“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.

Beyond preparations for the 2027 elections, Musa said Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits and rescue 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.”

Musa said the federal government had increased recruitment, training and equipment procurement for the Armed Forces as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

He said Tinubu would soon inaugurate nearly 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters to boost the military’s operational capacity.

According to the minister, the acquisitions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity despite economic challenges.

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

Musa urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious activities and reporting misconduct by security personnel.

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

He added security personnel found engaging in wrongdoing would face appropriate action.