President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to dismantle all bandit and terrorist camps across the country and ensure the rescue of everyone held captive by criminal groups.

The directive followed a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, where the President and heads of security agencies reviewed the country’s security situation and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed the outcome of the meeting while addressing State House correspondents, explaining that the security chiefs had briefed Tinubu on ongoing operations and developments across the country.

According to Musa, the President instructed security agencies to intensify their operations, track down criminal groups and bring abducted persons to safety, regardless of where they were being held.

“There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” Musa quoted the President as saying.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the meeting also examined measures to ensure that Nigerians could participate in the polls without fear of violence, intimidation or disruption.

Musa said Tinubu had made it clear that the government expected a free, fair and credible election, stressing that security agencies must create an atmosphere in which citizens could vote peacefully.

He assured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security organisations would remain professional and impartial throughout the electoral process.

The minister added that political parties and their candidates should be able to campaign and participate in the elections without intimidation, regardless of their political affiliations.

He maintained that security personnel would provide equal protection to all parties and candidates, insisting that no political group should have grounds to fear unfair treatment by the security agencies.

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Musa also expressed appreciation for the President’s support for the armed forces and other security institutions, saying the agencies were working together to address the country’s security challenges.

On the welfare and operational capacity of security personnel, the defence minister said the government had introduced measures covering recruitment, training and the procurement of equipment.

He disclosed that Tinubu was expected to commission a batch of newly acquired aircraft and helicopters, estimated at about 10, as part of efforts to strengthen the military’s operational capabilities.

Musa said the equipment acquisitions demonstrated that security remained a major government priority despite the country’s economic difficulties.

He also pointed to the recent salary increase for members of the armed forces, adding that measures concerning the welfare of police personnel and other security workers, including pensioners, had also been addressed or were being addressed.

The minister said the government was committed to improving the conditions of service for security personnel, arguing that their welfare was essential to sustaining their performance and dedication.

He urged Nigerians to support ongoing security efforts, expressing the government’s determination to protect lives, restore peace and ensure that the country remained safe ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tinubu’s latest directive places renewed emphasis on dismantling criminal hideouts, rescuing abductees and strengthening security arrangements as the country moves towards another electoral cycle. The effectiveness of the measures will depend on the security agencies’ operations and their ability to translate the directives into improved safety for communities across Nigeria.