Buhari will deal decisively with ‘forces of evil’ terrorising the country – NSA

PRESIDENT Buhari has expressed optimism that the security agencies will surmount the security challenges confronting the country.

Buhari, who said bandits and other criminals are testing the will of the government, said his administration will rise to the occasion and deal decisively with the “forces of evil marauding” all over the country.

The National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.), disclosed this in a statement he issued after a meeting Buhari had with the nation’s security chiefs at the Presidential Villa,  in Abuja today.

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

Others were 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.

In his statement titled ‘Statement by the National Security Adviser after today’s National Security Council meeting,’ Monguno quoted Buhari as saying at the meeting that he will take “profound measures” to tackle the insecurity plaguing the country.

The NSA said the meeting was adjourned  to Tuesday to allow the President receive more briefings 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.”

The meeting was held amidst the spate of violence and insecurity that have rocked the nation recently, with many concerned citizens calling for drastic action from the President.