National Security Council Douses Tension, Assures Adequate Protection

By Ayodele Oni

National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno, rtd, has assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm, despite recent security alarm raised by foreign countries, including the US, UK and Canada.

The NSA, who said the situation is under control, described as false and irresponsible the perception of heightened insecurity in Abuja as painted by the UK and the US.

Monguno made the disclosure on Monday at a briefing after a Security Council Meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House.

He insisted that the alert was for American and British citizens and that the way it was released complicated the situation.

According to him, the alert was simply an unnecessary distraction and nothing untoward so far.

The NSA advised Nigerians to go about their daily activities without fear, saying that the security agencies are in control and that Nigeria as a country is safe.

In attendance at the meeting were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd); Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor led the service chiefs including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao to the meeting.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to leave for London Monday for a medical check-up.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, announced this in a tweet on his verified personal handle earlier in the day.

He said the President will return to the country the second week of November.

The President had cancelled his planned inauguration of the new Technology and Innovation complex of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to preside over an emergency meeting of the National Security Council.

However, he travelled to Owerri, Imo State to flag off the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers before departure for Europe on Monday.