Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali said yesterday that the Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies have been doing a lot to address the country’s turbulent security situation.
Dan-Ali gave the assurance in a statement circulated to State House correspondents, as President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed doors with security chiefs during National Security Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting dwelled on the various security challenges facing the country.
The minister reminded the council that the Armed Forces and other security agencies have been doing a lot to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
He said: “In order to forestall future security incidences in Zamfara, Sokoto and Birnin-Gwari axis, ‘Operation Sharan Daji’ has been extended to cover up to the fringes of Niger border.
“The operation has recently been reinforced with more troops from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police and Department of State Services and is supported by the Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognisance Wing of 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force.
“The joint operation has successfully arrested some suspected armed bandits and recovered arms and ammunition. Similarly, in other to checkmate the criminal activities along Abuja-Kaduna highway, security agencies have been directed to increase patrols along the axis to address cases of attacks and kidnappings.
“There was a review of ‘Operation Safe Haven’ leading to appointment of a new Commander in the Northcentral. The Honourable minister also reiterated the need for the deployment of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in all areas liberated by the military in the Northeast in order to consolidate on the gains of military operations as well as to enable the military push forward in its clearance operations.”
In the Southsouth, the minister informed the council that “Operation Delta Safe” has sustained its operations against illegal activities in the Niger Delta region with resultant reduction in illegal oil bunkering, militancy and pipeline vandalism.