Heightened insecurity in Abuja painted by US, UK ‘false, irresponsible’, says NSA

Against the backdrop of recent security advisories by the United States and the United Kingdom, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), has assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm.

The NSA, who said the situation is under control, described as false and irresponsible the perception of heightened insecurity in Abuja as painted by the UK and the US.

Monguno made the disclosure on Monday at a briefing after a Security Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House.

He 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 the country is safe.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, assured Nigerians that there was no cause for alarm and advised Nigerians to remain confident in the ability of the security agencies to maintain law and order.

“I just want to use the opportunity to assure Nigerians that the armed forces, the police, and other security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that lives and property of Nigerians are well protected,” Irabor said.

“So far, there is no cause for alarm and Nigerians should go about their normal duties as the armed forces and all the security agencies are well poised to protect them accordingly.”

In attendance at Monday’s 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); the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi.

Irabor led the service chiefs including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao to the meeting.