President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the government recognises that some of the security challenges confronting Nigeria were imported by foreign elements.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stated this at the Graduation of Course 30 of the National Defence College (NDC) yesterday, in Abuja.
He said that the nation and indeed the African region had been facing difficult times such as terrorism in the North-East, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.
Buhari added that the military and other security agencies have been given directives to decisively deal with all forms of security challenges and secure the nation.
According to him, the military has continued to counter the terrorism that was very prevalent in the North-East, which has resulted in the surrendering of thousands of persons who are being managed by government agencies.
“Government is also deeply concerned about the activities of bandits and criminals who have reared their ugly heads in some parts of the country. This is because the number of violent unprovoked attacks on citizens appears to be on the increase. This is unacceptable. Accordingly, we have given a strong directive to the military and other security agencies to deal decisively with terrorists, bandits and other enemies of the country”, he stated.
Buhari commended the nation’s apex defence institution for its continuous effort toward raising disciplined and professional leaders for the armed forces, and security agencies as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The president assured that the government would remain committed to providing needed resources for the security agencies to carry out their assigned tasks.
The Commandant of NDC, Rear-Admiral Murtala Bashir, said the College had 102 participants drawn from the military, paramilitary, security and intelligence agencies as well as selected MDAs and participants from 16 allied countries.
Bashir said the participants comprised of 28 from the Nigerian Army; 20 from the Nigerian Navy; five from Nigerian Air Force; 29 from strategic institutions/MDAs and 20 international participants.
He said the college had trained the finest from the military, security agencies and MDAs both from within and outside the country since its inception in 1992, adding that some had distinguished themselves in their careers. According to him, the mission of NDC is to develop future strategic leaders who are sufficiently equipped with knowledge and skills.
