Tinubu directs security chiefs to rescue abductees and secure January elections

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the heads of Nigeria’s security agencies to locate and release all persons who have been abducted, and to ensure that no terrorist or bandit camps remain anywhere in the country. The directive was issued during a security meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on 15 October 2026.

The Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retired), briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, which was convened to update the President on the security situation ahead of the January elections. All heads of the armed forces, police and other security bodies attended the intensive discussion.

Musa said the President’s orders were clear: every effort must be made to rescue abductees and to dismantle any camps used by insurgents or criminal groups. The aim is to remove the threat posed by these groups and to restore normalcy across the country.

In addition to the rescue mission, Tinubu asked the service chiefs to guarantee a safe and neutral environment for voters. The Defence Minister stressed that the security forces would remain impartial and would not allow intimidation of citizens or political actors during the polls. He assured the public that the electoral process would be free, fair and credible.

The Minister also dismissed rumours that underage recruits were being brought into the armed forces. He clarified that the concern was about terrorists using children, not about the military’s recruitment policy. He confirmed that no minors were being recruited by the security services.