Defence
AN NGO, the Unity Advocacy Group on Saturday in Abuja expressed confidence that the military and other security agencies are capable of containing security threats in the country.
Its convener, Mr Ifeanyi Aigbedion, made the declaration in a statement while responding to Thursday’s travel advisory issued by the United States of America.
Canada and the United Kingdom had earlier issued similar travel advisories.
In Thursday’s advisory, the United States ordered family members of its employees resident in Abuja to leave the area.
It was an update to an alert published on Tuesday, which had asked only non-emergency employees and their family members to leave Abuja.
On Oct. 27, the U.S ordered the departure of family members of government employees from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
On Oct. 25, it authorised the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
The U.S. also warned its citizens against travelling to Abuja “due to terrorism’’, while it declared Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Adamawa as off-limits “due to terrorism and kidnapping’’.
It listed Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara as no-go areas “due to kidnapping’’, while coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers (with the exception of Port Harcourt) were also listed as areas to be avoided “due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.’’
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has insisted that the country is safe.
Aigbedion urged Nigerians not to be deterred or panic, saying the enemies of the country would definitely lose the war to the determination of the armed forces.
According to him, not long ago troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 49 Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in the Bama-Mandara-Damasak axis of Borno.
“We are gradually witnessing the return of our sisters kidnapped in Chibok.
“Eleven Chibok girls have been rescued in joint operations this year. It may not be going the way we want it, but their rescue shows that hope is not lost
“The total number of surrendered terrorists along with their families as a result of military operations stands at 81,131.
“We urge Nigerians to remain resolute, prayerful and alert to the antics of those who want to take our peace.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the armed forces under Gen. Lucky Irabor are capable of responding appropriately,’’ Aigbedion stated.
The recent advisories by the U.S, Canada and the UK about possible security threats in Nigeria stirred reactions and comments from government, individuals and groups.
While some believed that such advisories at this particular time were meant to create panic among the citizenry, others felt it was a call to action on the part of the security agencies. (NAN)
KN
Tags: Ifeanyi Aigbedion Unity Advocacy Group
