He said no criminal group should be allowed to maintain a camp anywhere in the country.
He also directed security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the 2027 general election, warning against voter intimidation and interference in the electoral process by security personnel.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), spoke with reporters on the presidential directives at the State House, Abuja, after a security meeting.
The meeting, which lasted more than three hours, was attended by top military, intelligence and law enforcement chiefs.
They reviewed the security situation across the country and assessed preparations for the elections.
Gen. Musa, who spoke on behalf of the security leadership, said the President was unequivocal that security agencies must dismantle terrorist and bandit enclaves, rescue kidnapped citizens and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
He said Tinubu expected the agencies to intensify operations against criminal elements, irrespective of their locations, and ensure that no part of the country remained a haven for terrorists and kidnappers.
Gen. Musa said: “The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted or kidnapped wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria.”
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces and other security agencies would implement the directive through coordinated operations aimed at eliminating threats to national security.
In Borno State, some abductees have been held captive for more than 150 days.
Governor Babagana Zulum renewed his appeal earlier this week for intensified rescue efforts to secure their release.
There are also abductees in terrorist custody in Zamfara and Niger states.
Security agencies to remain neutral
Gen. Musa said the meeting also focused on ensuring Nigerians could exercise their democratic rights without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation during the elections.
He said Tinubu made it clear that the military, police, and other security agencies must maintain strict neutrality throughout the electoral process, regardless of the political parties or candidates involved.
The minister said: “Today’s meeting was to brief Mr President on the security situation within the country. The election is coming in January, and we must keep him abreast of what is ongoing.
“All heads of security agencies had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair, and credible election.
“We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote.”
Gen. Musa said the security agencies would provide equal protection for all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, while ensuring that political parties could conduct their activities without undue interference.
He urged eligible voters not to be discouraged by security concerns, assuring them that adequate measures would be put in place to protect them before, during and after the elections.
He added: “We are determined to ensure that we provide safety and security for all Nigerians. Everyone should come out and vote; vote for whoever they want.
“The President wants the atmosphere to be free, and all other political parties need to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral.”
The minister said the security establishment remained committed to professionalism and would not tolerate attempts to use security personnel to intimidate voters or give any political party an undue advantage.
Gen. Musa said Tinubu would soon inaugurate about 10 newly acquired military aircraft and helicopters as part of efforts to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
He said the acquisitions underscored the administration’s determination to prioritise national security despite the economic challenges confronting the country.
According to him, the government has also intensified military recruitment, training and equipment procurement to improve the capacity of security personnel to respond to threats across different theatres of operation.
“Many things have been done: an increase in the recruitment processes, training exercises, and procurement.
“Soon, Mr President will inaugurate a set of new aircraft and helicopters that have been bought, about 10 of them,” he said.
Gen. Musa said the administration’s investments in military hardware and personnel development demonstrated that security remained a major priority for the President.
He also highlighted improvements in the welfare of military personnel, including a recent salary increase.
He said issues relating to remuneration in the police and other security agencies, as well as pensions, were receiving the government’s attention.
The minister assured serving and retired security personnel that the administration was committed to addressing their welfare concerns, adding that the President did not intend to leave any category of personnel behind.
Gen. Musa also addressed the controversy surrounding allegations about the use of underage persons in security operations, dismissing suggestions that the Nigerian Armed Forces recruited or deployed children.
He clarified that references to minors’ involvement in armed conflicts concerned terrorist organisations, which sometimes recruited or exploited children, rather than the conduct of Nigeria’s military.
Gen. Musa insisted that the Armed Forces maintained professional recruitment standards and did not enlist underage personnel.
He said the activities of terrorist organisations underscored the urgency of dismantling their networks and rescuing vulnerable persons from their control.
‘Report suspicious activities’
The minister appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information, stressing that national security could not be achieved through military and police operations alone.
He said citizens had a responsibility to report suspicious activities and conduct capable of undermining public safety, including misconduct by security personnel.
Musa said: “Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces. Everyone has a role to play.”
He assured Nigerians that complaints against security personnel who engaged in misconduct would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
He added: “Whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members who are not doing what is right, please don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken.”
Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa (rtd.).
Also in attendance were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
Other security chiefs present were the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
