President Muhammadu Buhari has once more reassured Nigerians that their security agencies are firmly in control of all dangers, despite the posturing of some western governments, in the aftermath of worries about the prospect of a terrorist attack on the nation’s capital, Abuja.
“Irrespective of what the western nations are saying, Nigeria is safe as our security agencies have firm control over security issues and any impending threats. They are more than capable to thrash it”, Buhari said.
The declaration was made by the president on Wednesday in Abuja as he opened a three-day seminar on strategic communication for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ 36 state commandants, provosts of training institutions, and public relations officers (NSCDC)
The president refuted claims that there was “rising insecurity” in the nation while being represented by his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
He warned Nigerians to entirely disregard any false alarms raised by other countries, especially the recent travel warnings issued by the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom, which caused palpable concern.
The president, who talked on handling sensitive material relating to disputes, also gave advice to CEOs in both public and private organizations to have faith in and give unrestricted access to those who look after their public image.
Earlier, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, said that the conference’s theme, “Managing Strategic Conflict Communications amid Insecurity for Organizational Development,” spoke eloquently to the security issues that Nigeria faces.
He said that recent security issues in Nigeria include Boko Haram operations, banditry, abduction, battles between herders and farmers, repeated attacks on vital national infrastructure and assets, oil bunkering, destruction of electrical and communication infrastructure, and many more.
Additionally, the Department of State Services (DSS) has once more denied conducting a raid on the Trademore Estate in Abuja with members of the US Army, claiming that the Nigerian Army is capable of cooperating in such operations.
Dr. Peter Afunanya, who was acting in place of Director General of State Services Yusuf Magaji Bichi, stated that the Service would continue to carry out its mission without fear or favor.
He said; “The DSS will continue to pursue its mandate without let or fear. We shall do this without any form of obstruction. Disinformation has come to stay. People will cast narratives that are fake and we have to rise up to the challenge.
“Recently, some persons said the DSS carried out an operation with a foreign military. It is not true. There was nothing like that. There was never a time the DSS carried out such operation. We have an army that is strong and we will continue to work with our own army should such need arises. If we need to work with the NSCDC or Police, we shall do that. Where we need to work alone, we shall do that without any fear. Our mandate is clear and sacrosanct. Nigeria is the religion of the DSS.
“The DSS is dedicated to the indissolubility of Nigeria. We are committed to the indivisibility of Nigeria”.
