Tinubu holds security meeting on 2027 elections as defence chief denies child soldier recruitment

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu convened Nigeria's leading security figures at the State House in Abuja to address protection measures for the upcoming January 2027 general elections. Attending the five-hour National Security Council session were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa, Police Affairs Minister Ibrahim Gaidam, and Bello Matawalle serving as Minister of State for Defence.

During the briefing, Tinubu instructed security agencies to prioritise rescuing abducted citizens throughout the nation. At the meeting's conclusion, Defence Minister Musa stepped before journalists to refute claims that Nigeria's military has enlisted soldiers under the legal age for combat roles.

The armed forces maintain professional standards, Musa asserted, and would not participate in such recruitment practices. He contended that any below-age enlistment occurring in conflict zones likely stems from terrorist groups operating independently of legitimate military structures.

Musa described the security gathering as serving to brief Tinubu on the prevailing security environment before the 2027 polls. He pledged to the public that military personnel would demonstrate neutrality throughout the electoral process and work to establish conditions enabling credible voting.

His comments highlighted how the administration aims to keep security operations distinct from electoral activities. The convening demonstrated wider coordination efforts across Nigeria's security apparatus under the Tinubu administration.

Multiple ministers' involvement coupled with the substantial time devoted to discussions underscored the intricacy of security arrangements for a nationwide election. Musa's specific rebuttal concerning child soldier recruitment directly tackled public worries about military conduct during ongoing counter-insurgency campaigns in the northeast and northwest regions.