Buhari Issues Fresh Directives After Briefings From Service Chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, November 25, issued a new directive to security agencies over the state of the nation.

Naija News understands that a National Security Council meeting was held earlier at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the meeting, President Buhari was briefed about the current security challenges including unrest along Abuja-Kaduna road. The recently concluded Anambra governorship election was also discussed at the meeting.

Another subject of discussion at the meeting was the election of a Nigerian, AIG Garba Umaru, who emerged out of four other candidates, as the vice president of Interpol for Africa.

The president who frowned at the security tension along Abuja-Kaduna road ordered security agencies to get into action and mount surveillance at different points necessary.

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola who disclosed details of the meeting to State House Correspondents today said the President again, was impressed by the recently concluded governorship elections in Anambra State which saw the emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Charles Soludo as governor-elect.

According to him, “The police and other security agencies had been mobilised to intensify surveillance, patrol and pursuit of criminals. And it’s not only about Abuja-Kaduna.

“Yes, Abuja-Kaduna belt was discussed specifically, but we appreciate the fact that we are in the season of festivity. So, all agencies are committed to providing security for Nigeria and the maintenance of law and order.

“They have been ordered to improve their activities, intensify surveillance and minimise, if not eliminate, any threat to law and order anywhere in Nigeria.”

Aregbesola noted that the Police is the lead agency on internal security. “Therefore, maintenance of Law and Order will start with the police and then extend to all the other security agencies.”

The minister while emphasizing security challenges as the Yuletide period draws near, said Nigerians should expect to see an improved response to all those challenging the sovereignty of Nigeria in whatever form.

Aregbesola said: “The council today took a firm decision on what to be done and I can assure Nigerians that with the charge from the President and the commander in chief of the Armed Forces today, there will be an improved response to all forms of criminality in any part of Nigeria,

“The armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, intelligence organisations, must not rest on their oars, as we are making progress in our effort to eliminate insurgency, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and all the other criminalities because Nigerians deserve to live in peace,” he affirmed.

He added, “The President received briefs from Service Chiefs and the security agencies and intelligence organisations on the state of security nationwide.

“While appreciating the successes and gains made by all the security agencies from the armed forces of Nigeria to the police and other intelligence organisations, as well as other security agencies, he believes that more must still and should still be done.”

Speaking further about the success of the Anambra election, the Minister said: “The President was particularly happy about the free and fair governorship election in Anambra. And he was quite happy that the combination of INEC and the security agencies, from the military to the police and all the other agencies made that possible with the support of the people of Anambra and the government of Anambra. And we all saw the outcome”.

He said with the successes recorded, there is no doubt as to the regime’s commitment to promoting democracy and ensuring that 2023 is not threatened.

Speaking further, the minister said that the council was briefed about the election of a Nigerian, AIG Garba Umaru, who emerged out of four other candidates, as the vice president of Interpol for Africa.

He said “this means that a Nigerian today represents the 54 African nations at the Interpol level.

“The election took place today, a couple of hours ago. And he emerged as the vice president of Interpol in Africa. That too was discussed, appreciated and applauded.”

Naija News understands that President Buhari had before the commencement of the meeting, decorated his Aide-De-Camp, Lt Col Yusuf Dodo, with his new rank of Colonel.

In attendance were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari; National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.) and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.

Also at the meeting were the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, and the wife of the ADC, Dr Hindatu Bashir.

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