***Defence Minister says about 10 new aircraft, helicopters acquired to boost operations
***Assures opposition parties of security forces’ neutrality ahead of 2027 elections

President Bola Tinubu has directed 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, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said.

Musa disclosed this at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting between the President and heads of security agencies, saying the directive underscored the administration’s determination to confront insecurity and protect citizens from abductions, violence and other criminal activities.

He said the President had charged security agencies to ensure that no terrorist or bandit camp remained anywhere in Nigeria, while making the rescue of kidnapped and abducted persons a priority.

“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,” the minister said.

Gen Musa said the meeting also focused on preparations for credible elections, with Tinubu directing security agencies to provide a safe environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise without intimidation or violence.

He assured political parties, particularly those in the opposition, that security personnel would remain professional and politically neutral in the discharge of their duties.

“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.

The minister added that no political party or candidate should fear intimidation by security personnel, stressing that all political actors would be given equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

“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,” he said.

The assurance comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country and the need to prevent violence and criminal activities from undermining preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Gen Musa said the government was strengthening the capacity of security agencies through increased recruitment, training and procurement of equipment to improve their ability to tackle emerging threats.

He disclosed that President Tinubu was expected to commission a new batch of military aircraft and helicopters, estimated at about 10, to enhance the operational capacity of the armed forces.

“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.

According to him, the acquisitions demonstrate that security remains a priority for the administration despite the country’s economic challenges.

The minister also highlighted government measures to improve the welfare of security personnel, citing recent salary increases for members of the armed forces and efforts to address similar concerns involving the police and other security agencies, as well as military pensioners.

He said the administration was committed to ensuring that personnel responsible for protecting the country received the necessary support to carry out their duties effectively.

On allegations that the Nigerian military was recruiting underaged children, the Minister insisted that the armed forces remained a professional institution and rejected suggestions that underage persons were being recruited.

He said the allegations should be distinguished from claims concerning the use of children by terrorist groups, adding that the military remained focused on defeating criminal organisations and rescuing their victims.

He called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful intelligence and reporting suspicious activities, including misconduct by security personnel.

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

Musa urged citizens to report wrongdoing without hesitation, assuring them that complaints involving erring security personnel would be investigated and appropriate action taken.

The minister expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his support for the armed forces and other security agencies, saying the government was pursuing a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity.

He called for greater cooperation between security agencies and the public, stressing that safeguarding lives, securing communities and preserving the country’s democratic process required a collective effort.