President Muhammadu Buhari has directed security agencies to mount surveillance across the country following successive terror attacks over the past few days in Borno State and Abuja.
The President gave the order after he received a briefing from a fact-finding team he had sent to the areas of the Federal Capital Territory which came under terrorist bombings on Friday evening.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted the president as directing the security services to raise surveillance activities and the general public to remain acutely aware of security in and around them.
“The defeat of Boko Haram insurgency is in sight, but to remove violence and make the country safe, we must tackle the prevalence of violent extremism,” the statement quoted Buhari to have said.
“In doing this, we will learn from the experience of the international community.”
The fact-finding team, made up of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Permanent Secretaries Ministry of Health and Federal Capital Territory, as well as the police commissioner in charge of the FCT, visited the Kuje and Nyanya bombing scenes and greeted victims of the incidents at the National Hospital and the Maitama General Hospital.
They also inspected the wards and mortuaries and consoled grieving family members on behalf of the president.
President Buhari in another statement personally signed by him, said the attacks in Maiduguri, Yola and Abuja were apparently timed to coincide with Independence Day celebrations – which was marked a day before the incident.
“These cowardly attacks expose the real face of the planners and perpetrators of these crimes. What quarrel do they have with the good people of Nyanya motor park? What issue do they have with innocent people in market places in Maiduguri, Yola and Kuje?
“It is clear this battle is not ideological. It is between the forces of peace and order and the evil forces of murder and destruction.
“Security forces and other local authorities have been instructed to maintain extra vigilance to forestall future attacks.
“The Armed Forces have been empowered to crush what remains of Boko Haram. This government is determined to stamp out Boko Haram and all other terrorists of whatever persuasions and bring all sponsors to justice.”
He commiserated with the families of the dead and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Eighteen people were killed in the Abuja blasts while 41 was injured.
