A meeting of Nigeria’s National Security Council is in session with President Muhammadu Buhari presiding.
Under Third Schedule, Part I Federal Executive Bodies (Established by Section 153), Section 26, “the Council shall have power to advise the President on matters relating to public security including matters relating to any organisation or agency established by law for ensuring the security of the Federation.”
Section 25 lists the membership of the National Security Council to include “(a) the President who shall be the Chairman; (b) the Vice-President who shall be the Deputy Chairman; (c) the Chief of Defence Staff; (d) the Minister of the Government of the Federation charged with the responsibility for internal affairs. (e) the Minister of the Government of the Federation charged responsibility for defence; (f) the Minister of the Government of the Federation charged with the responsibility for foreign affairs; (g) the National Security Adviser (h) the Inspector-General of Police; and (i) such other persons as the President may in his discretion appoint.”
In line with the membership, the meeting is attended by President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff (Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai), Chief of Naval Staff (Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas) and Chief of Air Staff (Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar).
Others include Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, Director General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ahmed Rufa’I and the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Also in attendance are Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd).
Ministers also attending the meeting include Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi; Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammad Dingyadi and Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada.
The meeting amidst deteriorating security in the country with Governors of the 36 States, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), lamenting the situation and resolving to meet with President Buhari and the Service Chiefs later this week.
