The meeting of Nigeria’s National Security Council (NSC) ended on Monday with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), describing as false and irresponsible the perception of heightened insecurity reflected in the recent terror alerts released by the United States (U.S.) and the United Kingdom (UK) Missions in Nigeria.
General Monguno, who spoke with journalists after the emergency meeting called by President Muhammadu Buhari to further review and strengthen the nation’s security network, assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm and that the situation is under control.
Monguno insisted that the alert was for American and British citizens and that the way it was released complicated the situation.
The alert, he underscored, 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 country is safe.
The President suspended some of his official engagements including the inauguration of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) new Technology and Innovation complex to preside over the emergency meeting with the security chiefs.
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.