As result of the recent increase in the spate of terrorism in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council to a meeting on Thursday.
The meeting, slated for 11am at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja will be presided over by the President.
According to a press release issued by Reuben Abati, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, the people invited to the meeting are: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau, National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the State Security Services and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.
“The meeting of the National Security Council will be followed at 1.00pm by an enlarged meeting on security developments in the country to which President Jonathan has invited State Governors”, Abati said in the statement.
At the enlarged meeting, Jonathan, members of the National Security Council and State Governors will review the security situation in the country as well as ongoing national security measures and operations.
“President Jonathan reassures all Nigerians and persons living in the country that the federal government remains very mindful of its responsibility for the safety of their lives and properties in all parts of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity”, Abati added.
The release further stated that Jonathan is particularly concerned about the plight of the schoolgirls who were abducted from their school in Borno State on Monday night.
He assured Nigerians that he has ordered the military and national security agencies to deploy maximum efforts towards rescuing all the girls and returning them safely to their parents.
The president claimed that some of the girls have already been rescued.
“He welcomes reports that the military and security agencies have already rescued some of the girls”.
The president expressed regrets over the pain, sorrow and anguish brought upon many Nigerian families in recent days as a consequence of recurring security challenges facing the nation.
He stated that with the patriotic commitment and support of everyone, the country will ultimately overcome its present challenges and move forward in unity and strength.
He urged all politicians, regardless of their political affiliation to join hands with him to eradicate terrorism from Nigeria.
“In this regard, President Jonathan will be pleased to see all politicians in the country exhibiting greater responsibility and patriotism by doing more to support his administration’s sincere efforts to enhance national security rather than trying to build political capital out of the pain and misery of their compatriots”, Abati concluded.
