Nigeria’s Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed says the country’s security architecture is capable of handling activities of terrorists and bandits
Mohammed stated this on Friday in Kaduna State during the presentation of the state 2022 second and third-quarter security report.
According to him, there is a need to deepen trust between citizens and the government.
Security Advisory Alert
On the recent security alert issued by the United States Embassy to its citizens over possible terror attacks in the country, especially in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, the Minister said the security improvement in Kaduna state as indicated by data suggests that Nigeria has what it takes to wipe out criminals.
READ ALSO: DSS calls for calm, Vigilance amid US security alert
He however called on the media to correct the perspectives and context of reports regarding terrorism and banditry.
In the report presented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the progression shows that victims killed due to terrorism and banditry have reduced from 285 in the second quarter to 161 in the third quarter of 2022, this having a reduction of 124 within that period and many other positive trends indicated in various aspects of the report.
“I have learned a whole lot by coming here today. I think one thing most people don’t understand or appreciate, is the economy of banditry and also the link between banditry terrorism. Illicit financial importation, drugs and other issues.
“The figures are very clear. And what impressed me most is the synergy between the government, traditional institutions, the military, the stakeholders, and who the media.
“What I witnessed today is really a validation of my own position that the Nigerian military working in concert with our government has what it takes to handle the security challenges.
“In respect of the travel advisory, as soon as we responded that the federal government is in full control and that we do quite understand the situation and are on top of it, some people have rushed to the media to blame the government for assuring the citizens of safety.
“We have no apologies for saying that our military is on top of the security situation. We also make no apology that we’re defending our sovereignty and no apology for saying that our military is competent and that they have in some cases made the supreme sacrifice to keep this country safe.
“We can’t continue to demonise our own country. What makes the security intelligence of the Americans superior to our own? This is the issue of trust deficit between the government and the governed, I think the media need to do a lot more to rectify this.”
The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai said the state publishes the security report in fulfilment of its obligation to the residents.
“Citizens have legitimate expectations to be provided with constant and consistently accurate accounts of what’s going on and to be updated on the measures being taken to address the security challenges.
“The figures and data presented here shows a pattern of reductions in the gravity of security incidents in the second and third quarters of 2022 compared to the first quarter, and indeed year on year compared to 2020 and 2021.
“There has been a drastic reduction even more than we’ve seen. This is a consequence of the intensification of offensive security operations in recent months.
“We have for years called for a comprehensive and sustained assertion of the prerogatives of the state through combined air and ground military and police operations. This is the most effective way to protect our people and for law and order to work and enhance the ability of our people to be peaceful in the pursuit of their livelihoods.
“We thank the federal government for finally authorizing the launch of this military and police offensives. We commend the military and security forces for their efforts and sacrifices as they work to uproot the criminals.”
According to the Governor, a theatre command similar to the one in place in the Northeast was required for effective security operations in the Northwest.
“It is our opinion that the insurgency in the Northwest today is not only more serious than what exists in the northeast but presents a clear danger to the holding of the 2023 elections and national Censors, if not nipped in the bud.”
He reiterated the commitment of the state government to continue to enhance security.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in October 2022 called on citizens to remain calm
He advised the Nigerian security establishment to continue being vigilant and careful with security, saying it is important to avoid panic.
PIAK
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