President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his matching order to the nation’s security chiefs over the current insecurity across the country, occasioned by activities of bandits and insurgents, saying they must not rest until all Nigerians are at rest.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the disclosure at the end of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.
Aregbesola said the President, after receiving the briefs from all security chiefs, the security agencies and intelligence organizations, appreciated the successes and gains recorded by all of them.
According to the Minister: “The President is of the belief that more must be done. But he commended all of them for the progress we are recording on all fronts.”
Sustained Effort
He added that the President ordered the Armed Forces and other security agencies, intelligence organizations, not to rest on their oars, notwithstanding the progress and efforts being made to eliminate insurgency, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and all the other criminalities.
He said: “The President said that we are not yet where we should be. That Nigerians deserve to live in peace. And that until we achieve that we will not rest.”
Successful Anambra election
The Minister said President Buhari was particularly pleased with the outcome of the November 6 gubernatorial election that produced former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Charles Soludo, as the Anambra Governor elect, after polling a total of 112,229 votes.
“The President was particularly happy with the fact that a free and fair election was made possible by the INEC and our security agencies. And that that is a good assurance to all Nigerians, that we are committed to promoting democracy, that is in respect of Anambra election.
“The President was particularly happy that a free and fair gubernatorial election was held 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 and the government of Anambra.
“We all saw the outcome. With that there is no doubt as to the commitment of our administration to promoting democracy, and ensuring that 2023 is not in any way threatened,” he said.
INTERPOL Appointment
The Minister said President Buhari was also particularly happy with the news that the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Garba Umar, has been elected Vice President (Africa) and Executive Committee Member of the International Criminal Police Organization – INTERPOL.
Aregbesola said: “And the council was briefed about the election today of a Nigerian, AIG, Garba Umaru, who emerged out of four other candidates, as the Vice President of Interpol for Africa, which means that a Nigerian today, represents the 54 African nations at the Interpol level. The election took place today (Thursday), a couple of hours ago. And he emerged as the vice president of Interpol in Africa, representing the 53 African nations. That too was discussed, appreciated and applauded.”
Asked if the resurgence of criminal activities along Abuja-Kaduna highways was discussed at the meeting, Aregbesola said: “Oh, yes. The police and other security agencies had been mobilized to intensify surveillance, patrol in pursuit of the criminals. And it’s not only about Abuja, Kaduna. Yes, the Abuja-Kaduna belt was discussed specifically, but we appreciated it.”
Thursday’s meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Service Chiefs as well as heads of other security agencies.
During the meeting, President Muhammadu Buhari decorated his Aide de Camp, Yusuf Dodo, with his new rank of Colonel.
The President was assisted by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Dodo’s wife.
Nneka Ukachukwu
