President Goodluck Jonathan has urged security chiefs in the country to wage the war against terrorism to a logical conclusion.
Jonathan said the Federal Government and
security operatives had a responsibility to protect the citizenry
against acts of terror.
The President also called on security
personnel to ensure a strict adherence to the rules of engagement and
the respect for human lives in the ongoing campaign against terrorism
and insurgency.
The President spoke at the 2013 Nigerian
Army Day Celebrations organised with the theme “Enhancing Nigerian Army
Capacity Building Efforts Towards Improved National Security” in Abuja
on Saturday.
He said the Federal Government was
committed to the eradication of terrorism which he described as an evil
against citizens, the society and desired development of the country.
He called on the Chief of Army Staff,
Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, other service chiefs, and the head of the
other security agencies in the country to ensure effective collaboration
with one another and with their counterparts in others countries in the
pursuit of the task of eradicating terrorism.
He said, “You must at all time defend our citizens and foreigners against all terrorists’ elements.
“I also urge you to collaborate and work
in synergy with other security agencies in our country as well as
friendly partner nations, in order to enhance your efforts and
effectiveness.
“Terrorism is anti-people, it is
anti-progress, and must be stamped out of our nation. We will do
anything within our powers to ensure the security and safety of all law
abiding citizens. This is the commitment that we have made.”
The President justified the declaration
of emergency rule in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states,
saying the activities of terror groups made it imperative for
government to respond with a pre-emptive anti-terror strategy.
He said reports from the ongoing
military operations made available to him indicated that the action was
well thought out and yielding results.
Jonathan, who commended the Armed Forces
for strict adherence to professionalism since the commencement of
democracy in 1999, also thanked various groups in the society for
supporting the government against those who sought to stabilise the
country.
He said the progress made by the
military in the fight against terrorism had shown, with the resumption
of government services and private businesses in the areas erstwhile
terrorised by the insurgents.
“Here at home, we recall the
circumstances that led to the declaration of the current state of
emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamwa states. A pre-emptive counter
terrorism strategy became imperative following the increasingly
destabilising activities by terror group.
“I am pleased to note that an initial
assessment report as regards the military operations since the emergency
declaration reveals that our strategy has been well thought out and is
progressing satisfactorily. Government services and private business
have resumed in areas previously affected by this unpatriotic areas, and
very importantly the people by regaining their lives.
“I felicitate with the Nigerian Army and
the security agencies for their gallantry and patriotism. Let me use
this opportunity to commend them for their continuing support and
understanding in this challenging time of our country.
“I appreciate and commend individuals,
communities, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, women and
youth groups for the cooperation they have given to our security
agencies by denouncing those who sought for violence rather than
stability, rather than peaceful coexistence and the economic development
of our people and community,” the President added.
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