Insecurity: We’ve Given Security Forces Full Freedom To End Attacks- President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, said his administration has given security forces “full freedom” to end attacks in the country.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, Buhari condemned the recent attacks in Sokoto, Plateau and Kaduna, describing the incidents as “barbaric”.

Buhari, who condoled with the family members of the victims, assured the state governments of his administration’s commitment to improving security.

He said: “We have given security forces full freedom to deal with, and bring to end this madness.

“I condemn these barbaric attacks on the country. I wish to assure the states of all possible support from the government of the federation.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly”.

The Daily Times recalls that on August 1, gunmen reportedly abducted at least 50 people from Damari community in Birnin-Gwari LGA of Kaduna state.

On the same day, seven persons were killed, while two others — including a child — sustained injuries, following an attack on Danda Chugwi village of Jos south LGA in Plateau state.

On July 29, a total of 28 persons were killed in Duma village, Tureta LGA, Sokoto state, following an attack by gunmen on the community.

Aside from the attacks in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Plateau, there have been attacks on residents, security agencies, and government facilities in other parts of the country.

In another development, President Buhari has called for more international collaboration towards tackling security challenges such as terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the globe.

Receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred Miranda Oritz, President Buhari told the diplomats that successes in taming insecurity had been recorded through collaboration across borders, and more could be achieved.

He further commended the collective efforts of nations towards tackling security challenges globally.

“The devastating effect of global insecurity, climate change and the post COVID-19 era has devastated global economies. Nations continue to struggle to recover from these multiple global challenges.

“The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has undermined the progress countries have achieved in tackling food security in the last decade. While, the political instability in Libya continues to fuel terrorism in the Sahel, as well as scuttle democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.

“Nigeria is not left out of the equation, as we are fighting to rid our country of banditry, kidnapping, herder/farmer crisis and insurgency. We are, however, making meaningful progress with the support of friendly countries like yours to sustain these fights until we overcome these challenges,’’ he said.

At the regional level, President Buhari said Nigeria had been working with other Member-States of ECOWAS and other regional blocs, to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, maritime crimes such as piracy and illegal fishing on our waters, illicit drug and human trafficking, banditry, as well as unconstitutional changes of government.

“I believe that matters of security have become the business of all nations as these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain. The world must, therefore, work closely together and Nigeria counts on your support in cementing the relations between our countries at both bilateral and multilateral levels to surmount these global threats to civilization,’’ he added.

The President urged diplomats to monitor political developments in the country, leading to the 2023 elections, but remain true to their professional ethics of non-interference.

President Buhari noted that Nigeria was drawing closer to its national elections and candidates representing their parties at different levels were beginning to build consensus within their respective parties in preparations to the launching of campaigns across the country soon.

“As the drums of campaign begin to rise, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to the elections and the conduct of the general elections,” he said.

The President also advised the diplomats to focus on building on the successes of their predecessors.

“The task before you require you both to build on the successes of your predecessors and further make efforts in the expansion and advancement of the cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries. These relations as you all know, span across political, socio-economic and cultural spheres, that have overtime benefitted our peoples.

“I am confident that, in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities in the course of your tour of duties, you will spare time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna across the country,’’ the President noted.

He said the cultural diversity of Nigeria “represents our pride as a nation and identity as a people,’’ while urging the diplomats to also build friendship and acquaintances in the course of their stay in the country.

In his remarks, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the President for the ceremony of accepting the Letters of Credence.

“Today marks formal beginning of our engagement with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship,’’ Christoff said.

Meanwhile, a coalition of over 80 human rights organisations under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, on Tuesday, expressed disappointment over the poor state of the nation and the worsening insecurity that had taken place in Nigeria during the first and second quarters of the year.

The organisation, therefore, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to act fast or resign because it was obvious he had failed the country.

The NCSSR said these during a press conference on the state of the nation addressed by its Convener, Ene Obi, and co-convener, James Ugochukwu.

Beyond threats of impeachment of the President, the activists called on the National Assembly to intensify their oversight function on the Executive and exude that they are representatives of the people by protecting and representing their interests.

The organisation in the text of the conference read by Obi also asked the Senate to carry out “a thorough background check and scrutiny of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari, to allay any political party affiliation or alignment by any of the nominees.”

Obi said: “A few months ago, Situation Room, on May 12 2022, raised the alarm on the rising level of insecurity in the country, the level of transparency and accountability in the electoral process, among other concerns. It is rather disheartening that two months later, the State of the Nation has further depreciated thereby raising questions about the leadership of the country.”

Situation Room also raised more concerns on insecurity, attack on Kuje correctional center, economy, strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and 2023 elections.

The group then suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission should extend the voter registration process for another two months to accommodate more prospective voters as there is still a window for extension in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

The CSOs called on Buhari to wake up to his responsibilities of steering the nation’s affairs in the areas of security and economic restoration, which will rebuild the citizens’ confidence by reassuring Nigerians of his ability to govern Nigeria or should honourably resign if the challenges are overwhelming.

The group further called on Nigerian citizens to put their State Governors to task and demand accountability for their actions or inactions regarding the State of the Nation.