PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has insisted that Nigerians will not surrender to terrorists who have recently compounded the security challenges facing the country.
He also reiterated the commitment of his administration to winning the war on terror within the shortest possible, urging the people not to buckle under the threat of the brainwashed agents of anarchy.
In his message issued in Abuja on Saturday to mark the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, the president encouraged Nigerians to remain resolute in defence of freedom, peace and unity of the country.
“Although the observance of the Holy Month was sadly tainted in parts of the country with the continuing atrocities of extremists and terrorists in our midst, I urge all patriotic Nigerians to remain strong and resolute in defence of freedom, unity, law and order, peace, security and progress of the nation.
“I feel the pains and anguish of all our compatriots who have experienced the harrowing impact of terrorism unleashed on them by brainwashed and misguided agents of evil and disunity, but we must never throw up our hands in helplessness and despair as the terrorists and purveyors of anarchy want.
“Going forward, let us all remain unwaveringly committed to showing solidarity with our Armed Forces and security agencies and giving them the full support they require to prosecute the war against terrorism to a successful conclusion.
“I assure all Nigerians, once again, that we are totally committed to winning that war, putting the scourge of terrorism and insecurity rapidly behind us and giving the fullest possible attention to the urgent task of improving the living conditions of our people in all parts of the country.
“We cannot and will not be deterred from our goal of positively transforming our nation into a strong, united, progressive, stable, secure and prosperous nation in which all citizens will live in peace in spite of our immense diversities,” he said.
The president prayed that as the nation celebrates Eid-el-Fitri, Ramadan’s spiritual lessons and the Holy Prophet’s teachings of piety, love, justice, fairness, equity, peaceful co-existence with others, tolerance, honesty and dedication to duty will remain with all for the benefit and greater glory of the nation.
Sallah celebrations: IGP places policemen on red alert
As part of efforts to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebrations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, has ordered effective and extensive deployment of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force and other special operatives as well as all necessary logistics to all nooks and crannies of the country.
The IGP, in a directive issued to all Commands and Formations of the Force, directed Command Commissioners of Police and other field Commanders across the country to ensure that no stone is left unturned in making sure that adequate security is provided in their various areas of jurisdiction.
Stressing that maximum attention should be paid to critical public places and other points prone to enemy attack, the IGP orders the Command Commissioners of Police to retool their security infrastructures in line with their local security realities.
The IGP further directed the Command Commissioners of Police to personally supervise the special security deployment and ensure a 24-hour surveillance of their respective area of operations.
While congratulating the Muslim Umma, the IGP enjoined them and other citizens to maintain utmost vigilance and courageously continue to support the security agencies in their prayers and provide useful information towards preventing and unearthing crimes and their authors.
Source: Tribune
