President Bola Tinubu has instructed the security agencies to provide adequate safety and ensure free, fair and credible election in 2027.
Tinubu, who ordered the security agencies to ensure the rescue of all kidnapped victims across the country and dislodge kidnappers and bandits from their hideouts, gave this instruction on Thursday at security meeting with the service chiefs at the Presidential villa.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) said
“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. We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote. And so, we want to assure Nigerians that we are committed. We are determined to ensure that we provide safety and security for all. For all the political parties to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral; we’re going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve. So, they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and that nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons. We are all professionals. We are fully committed,.
Responding to allegation against the army on engaging underage in the service, Musa said: “There is nobody that is under age that is being brought here. I think the discussion that was made was that the accusation was on the terrorists using underage. Well, we know that we don’t have control over what they do, and that’s why it’s important for us to understand that we must not allow them remain wherever they are. 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.
“There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorist or bandits anywhere in Nigeria. As we go forward, we assure Nigerians that we’re fully committed, and that is what we are going to work to. So, we thank Mr. President for his support to the armed Forces; for his support to other agencies, and to assure Nigeria that we’re all working as a team, as Nigerians for Nigeria. We assure you that.
He said that the security agencies were happy with the president for increasing their officers salaries and equipping them. Musa also disclosed that the President would soon commission about ten new aircrafts and helicopters.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces. Everyone has a role to play, and we keep on preaching whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members that are not doing what is right. Please don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken,” Musa assured.
