From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, was yesterday briefed in a special session by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, who led security chiefs on the various security challenges facing the country, especially the activities of the terrorists’ in the North East.
This is even as they have pledged their total commitment and loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on a extended vacation in London, United Kingdom.
Those present at the session held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja were the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd); the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq, Chief of Naval, Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
At the opening of the special session before it went into closed door, Dan-Ali commended the current administration for its continuous funding of the armed forces in the conduct of its operations.
According to him, this had contributed in no small measure in improving the capacity of the armed forces and troops in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and other security threats across the country.
“Let me start by expressing our appreciation to the current administration for their relentless support and continuous funding of the armed forces in the conduct of its operations.
“This has no doubt impacted positively on the capacity of our armed forces and troops in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and other security threats across the country.
“On behalf of the armed forces and other security agencies, we pledge our total commitment and loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”.
The minister told Osinbajo that the ongoing operation in the North East has recorded tremendous success and has led to restoration of normalcy in most parts of the affected areas.
He said efforts were ongoing to ensure that civil authorities take lead role as quickly as possible in the affected areas.
He said, “Our troops in conjunction with the vigilante groups successfully conducted clearance operations in villages and Boko Haram camps which led to the recovery of weapons and communication equipment as well as apprehension of many suspects.
“This is being supported by continuous aerial surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force so as to ensure that terrorists do not regroup.