The minister says President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to ensure voters can participate in the forthcoming elections safely.
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces and other security agencies are committed to providing adequate security during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Musa gave the assurance on Thursday at the State House in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, which was attended by the heads of security agencies.
According to the minister, the meeting provided an opportunity to brief the President on the country’s security situation and discuss preparations for the forthcoming electoral process.
He said Tinubu had emphasised the importance of maintaining professionalism and ensuring that Nigerians could exercise their voting rights without fear or intimidation.
“Mr President made it very clear: he wants a free, fair and credible elections and said we must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote,” Musa said.
The defence minister added that security agencies had held extensive discussions on developments across the country and the measures required to maintain public safety.
Security remains a major concern ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in areas affected by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.
The deployment and conduct of security personnel during elections are also important to public confidence in the electoral process. Authorities are expected to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
Musa’s statement signals the government’s stated commitment to securing the polls. The effectiveness of that commitment will depend on operational preparedness, coordination among agencies and the ability to respond to threats before and during voting.