By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Apparently admitting the frustration of the entire citizenry, the National Security Council (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd) on Thursday, revealed that the federal government would implement new strategies to address the escalating insecurity challenges and terrorist attacks nationwide because Nigerians are growing tired of the menace and are now turning to self-help.
The NSA disclosed this to State House Correspondents at the end of yet another National Security Council (NSC) meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday to address the festering security challenges facing the nation.
Monguno who spoke alongside the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, stated that the President is well aware of the dire security challenges the country finds itself in at the moment.
However, the NSA posited that the solution to the security challenges in Nigeria will not come from a single strategy, pointing out that it require a multi-dimensional approach to deal with the monster.
Said he: “We are in a difficult situation. The Council understands. The President understands. But there is no straight, cut and drive method around this unless we collectively fight it.
“People are getting tired and are beginning to gravitate into other means of self-help. But the truth is that help is rooted in everyone working together to end this”.
Citing last Friday night’s attack on the 7th Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA) Presidential Guards Brigade, the NSA argued that no country can win an asymmetric warfare without the help of its citizens.
According to Monguno, the Council has agreed on new strategies to curtail the menace, assuring that there will be a renewed momentum against terrorism.
Said he: “The various entities concerned have started working on these new strategies. They have also given their word to the President”.
The NSA also revealed that Council will soon conclude its special investigation on the July 5 Kuje Correctional Center attack which saw the release of over 600 terrorist; and would punish those who, by neglect of duty, allowed the terrorists get away.
Monguno who didn’t entertain questions from journalists afterwards, cautioned the media against giving wide publicity to the terrorists, saying such materials flooding the internet have dire consequences for the country.
