Tinubu Orders Rescue of Kidnap Victims, Elimination of Terrorist Camps Nationwide

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted persons and eliminate terrorist and bandit camps across Nigeria, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has said.

Musa, a retired general, disclosed the directive on Thursday after a security meeting presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The meeting, attended by heads of security agencies and service chiefs, focused on the country’s security situation and preparations for the 2027 general election.

According to the minister, Tinubu directed security agencies to pursue those responsible for abductions and rescue victims wherever they are being held.

“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,” Musa said.

“There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” he added.

Musa said the President had also directed security agencies to ensure that Nigerians could participate safely in the forthcoming elections. He added that the security forces would remain neutral and provide political parties with the opportunity to campaign and participate without intimidation.

“The President made it very clear he wants a free, fair and credible election,” the minister said, assuring opposition parties that security personnel would not take sides.

Musa also rejected allegations that underage persons were being recruited into the Nigerian Armed Forces. He said the concern discussed at the meeting related instead to the alleged use of children by terrorist groups.

On efforts to strengthen security operations, the minister said the government had increased recruitment and training and invested in new equipment.

He disclosed that Tinubu was expected to inaugurate about 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters intended to support security operations.

Musa also pointed to the administration’s recent salary review for military personnel, saying improvements in the welfare of the police, other security agencies and pensioners were being addressed.

In August 2026, the Presidency announced salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for approximately 250,000 members of the Armed Forces, effective September 1. Under the new structure, personnel from private to staff sergeant were allocated an 80 per cent increase, while officers above the rank of colonel were allocated a 30 per cent increase. The annual military salary bill was projected to rise from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

The minister said the government intended to continue improving personnel welfare and operational capacity as security agencies work to address kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.