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.

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 underage 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.