President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday charged service chiefs and heads of other security agencies, to go after the terrorists and bandits harassing Nigerians, especially on the highways. He said this during a national security meeting with the service chiefs at the Presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday. Mr. President said security operatives will not rest until Nigerians are at peace. He also ordered security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrol activities along the Abuja-Kaduna Road. Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, while briefing State House correspondents after the meeting said the President expressed happiness over the free and fair gubernatorial election held in Anambra State, which saw the emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Charles Soludo, as governor-elect and the roles played by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, “the police and other security agencies had been mobilised to intensify surveillance, patrol and pursuit of criminals, and it is not only about Abuja-Kaduna highway.
“Yes Abuja-Kaduna belt was discussed specifically, but we appreciate the fact that we are in the season of festivity. So, all agencies, intensify surveillance and minimise, if not eliminate, any threat to law and order anywhere in Nigeria,” he added.
While responding to question on who takes the lead, the police or the military, the minister said “The police, as I said, is the lead agency on internal security, So, whatever I’ve said about maintenance of law and order will start with the police and then extend to all the other security agencies, certainly.”
Asked if the issue of bandits collecting ransom, taking over and administering some areas in the country was discussed, he said, “Specific orders have given to all our security agencies, and we’ll see an improved response to all those challenging the sovereignty of Nigeria in whatever form and creating insecurity anywhere.”
