In continuation of its assignment, the Presidential Fact-finding Committee on the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls has held closed-door meetings with the Minister of Defence, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Inspector General of Police.
The Committee was led by its Chairman, Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo (rtd).
The Minister of Defence, Lt-Gen. Aliyu Gusau Mohammed (rtd), described as unfortunate the mass kidnap of the schoolgirls. He decried the advent of Boko Haram, noting that it should have been dealt with a long time ago.
The Minister however, pledged the support of the Ministry to the realization of the Committee’s objectives. He also made useful suggestions, for which the Committee Chairman expressed gratitude.
In his opening remarks at the interface with the NIA, the Chairman of the Fact-finding Committee, Gen. Sabo (rtd) reiterated the borderless nature of terrorism, stressing the crucial role of the NIA in the fight against terror in general, and in scouring neighbouring countries in the immediate matter of the Chibok mass abduction.
While responding, the Director General of NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, said:”The incident (Chibok abduction) has awakened a new sense of humanity and collective pain to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.” He briefed the Committee extensively on the measures taken so far by the Agency in the joint intelligence and security efforts to locate the whereabouts of the kidnapped schoolgirls and ensure their safe reunion with their respective families.
According to Ambassador Oke, “We will not know peace until these girls are found”, adding that “We must agree as a people that this is the time to end the menace of Boko Haram.”
At the session with the Police, the Inspector General Mohammed Abubakar explained the circumstances of the abduction and the immediate steps taken by the Police Force. He informed the Committee members of the on-going investigations and the pursuit of leads that might assist in securing freedom for the kidnapped schoolgirls.
The Inspector General of Police also articulated perspectives on the mass abduction, which the Committee members acknowledged would greatly facilitate their work.
*Report from the Office of the Spokesperson for the Presidential Fact-finding Committee
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