Buhari ready to take ‘profound measures’ to address insecurity – NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, on Friday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari was ready to take “profound measures” in addressing insecurity across the nation.

The NSA, however, did not divulge the nature of the measures to tackle insecurity in the country.

Monguno announced this in a statement he released after a meeting President Buhari had with the country’s security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi; and National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, attended the meeting with the President.

Others included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff; Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru; Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amoo; and the acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba.

The meeting took place in the midst of series of violence and insecurity that have disturbed the country lately, with many worried inhabitants calling for dire measures from the President.

In his statement entitled ‘Statement by the National Security Adviser after today’s National Security Council meeting,’ Monguno cited Buhari as saying at the meeting that he had no doubt that security agencies will overcome all the present security difficulties.

The NSA stated that the meeting was postponed till Tuesday to permit the President receive more updates from the security chiefs.

The statement read, “Concerned about the persisting security challenges in parts of the country, Mr President summoned a crucial meeting of the National Security Council today (Friday) as he continues to frontally confront the situation in the country.

“At today’s meeting, the President made it abundantly clear that while the insurgents, bandits and criminals are still at it, he has no doubt that the Nigerian security agencies and all of us as a nation will certainly overcome all the current security problems and defeat the forces of evil marauding about in different parts of the country.

“While the criminals continue to test the will of the Nigerian government, the President and the council, which adjourned today’s critical meeting until Tuesday morning to receive further briefings from the security chiefs, are set and determined to decisively end the assault on the nation and will do all that it takes.

“Mr President is very prepared to take profound measures in the wider interest of the people and the Nigerian nation. There shall be no relenting until peace and security are significantly restored in our communities.”