High level security meeting to review security ongoing at President's instance – Maku

The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku has disclosed that a high-level meeting at Aso Villa to review the security situation in the country, particularly the bombing at Nyanya on 1st of May, and the unfortunate kidnapping by suspected terrorists of girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, on 15th April, 2014 was just being concluded on Saturday.The meeting which was at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan was also attended by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the Defence Minister, General Aliyu Gusau (rtd), Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies.Maku disclosed that the meeting received updates on the second Nyanya bombing, the ongoing search for the Chibok girls, and efforts made so far to deal with related incidents of insecurity and terrorism in the country.On the latest bomb explosion in Nyanya, Maku said that the President directed security chiefs to increase surveillance and expedite investigation into the explosion to ensure that those behind the heinous act are arrested and brought to justice.The Information Minister also reported that the President directed that additional proactive measures by security agencies to enhance public safety be embarked upon immediately.   He told the media that the President directed  increased public awareness which needs citizens to step up their cooperation with security agencies by reporting suspected activities and persons likely to cause a breach of public peace, safety and security.On the unfortunate kidnap of the Chibok girls, Maku said, the security chiefs briefed the meeting on efforts so far made to locate and rescue the girls, and bring the perpetrators to justice: Extensive and intensive aerial surveillance by the Air Force has been carried out in all the routes leading into and out of Chibok up to the Chad and Cameroun borders.  Other parts of Borno and Adamawa states are also under the searchlight.   Every information relayed to security agencies has so far been investigated, including the search of all places suspected as a possible hide-away of the kidnapped girls.The Information Minister also disclosed that the Police backed up by the Military and the Department of State Security (DSS), have combed and are still combing all reported places that the girls might have been taken to.Labaran Maku also disclosed that in view of the inconsistent and contradictory information available to Government on the Chibok abduction, the President has set up a fact-finding committee, comprising security agencies, civil society, international organisations and other stakeholders for authentic information.He further said that the President commiserates with the families of the deceased in the latest bombing at Nyanya, and empathises with all those who were injured in the incident; and that the President has  directed full medical treatment for the victims at Government expense.Information Minister Maku also disclosed that the President shares in the pain and anguish of the parents and guardians of the Chibok girls abducted by the terrorists, whilst his heart goes out to these our unfortunate daughters who have had to endure the trauma of abduction and separation froj7m their loved ones.   “The Government and people of Nigeria stand solidly by them.”Maku also said that the President further appeals to the parents, guardians, relations and members of the public to furnish security agencies with all the information that will assist in the rescue of the girls.The Information Minister also said that “Government  appreciates the public outpouring of support and the sentiment expressed so far by all Nigerians, including civil society groups who have come out to condemn the abduction of the girls and terrorism in the country.  Government strongly believes that the people of Nigeria, standing together, will overcome the current security challenges”.The  assurance given the nation by the  President that “Wherever the girls are in the world, we will get them back, apprehend and punish the culprits”, led to a new directive to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the girls, Maku said.