By Correspondent in Minna
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi Maigari, their Information counterpart, Lai Mohammed and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed A. Adamu have paid an unscheduled visit to Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello of Niger state.
The Reporters correspondent reports that the visit was in respect of the abduction of 27 students and three staff of Government Science College, Kagara by bandits.
Speaking shortly after being briefed by Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello, the Minister of Information and Culture said,”We have been sent by the President to ensure that the people and government of Niger state and Nigeria that, the administration will leave no stone unturned to ensure safety of their lives and properties.
“We are glad at what we have witnessed, that the government is exploring kinetic and non-kinetic options to ensure safe release of all the victims. We want to assure Nigerians that we will not surrender our sovereignty but will employ all means to ensure the safe release of victims across Nigeria,”he said.
Also speaking, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno said the Federal government would deploy everything at its disposal, both kinetic and non-kinetic, reconciliatory measures toward safe return of the students.
The NSA lamented that banditry and kidnapping incidents were becoming too frequent saying, “within the span of 90 days, we have these incidents; one in Kankara and one here in Kagara Niger state, this gives a lot of people the feeling that something has to be done”.
“The President is ready to apply whatever it takes to make Nigeria safe and secure. The moment our response to these incidents would
be measured, we will apply the non kinetic measures.
“Although that we are looking at non kinetic measures does not mean that security agencies won’t carry out their statutory responsibilities to safeguard the security of Nigeria.”
“For as long as this present government remains in office, it will apply every measure to secure the lives of Nigerians and as well protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“No responsible Government will relinquish it’s sovereignty to armed bandits, kidnappers, insurgents.
“All hope is not lost, President Buhari is ready to deploy all at his disposal to safeguard the nation. We don’t want the government to be pushed to a suitauin”.
Contributing, IGP Adamu said insecurity in Niger state “is a thing of concern” to the nation’s security structure, adding that a lot of startegy was being put in place.
“We have restartegized. We are working to ensure that the students are returned unharmed,”he assured.
Adamu assured of freedom for the victims adding, “we know the group and we will get the people back unharmed.
“We are using the same strategy as we used previously but it won’t stop us from apprehending those who committed the act. We have deployed four units from the Mobile Police men to reinforce security in Niger state”.
Meanwhile, Governor Bello comended the federal government for the timely intervention in the security situation in the state.
He assured families of the victims that, with the federal government’s intervention,safe return of their family members and loved ones is guaranteed.
