The Federal Government on Wednesday
declared that it has the will, the resources and the strategies to win the war
against Boko Haram and terrorism in the country.
This was stated by the Minister of State, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide who delivered a message on behalf of the Federal Government to the women and youths who had staged a protest against Boko Haram and terrorism at the Unity Fountain, Abuja to mark the 100 days of the abduction of over 200 girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.
Participants at the protest include several NGOs and groups such as Kasuwa da Kasuwa, National Council of Women Societies, Gender Support for Women Emancipation Development, Lady Chy New World Order Foundation, Concerned Mothers Association of Nigeria and Hausa Community, National Association of Nigerian Students and others.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has procured new equipment and technology towards strengthening the capability and support for Nigerian military and security forces, adding that a delivery of such military equipment include highly sophisticated fighter helicopters with in-built night vision technology.
She said the Federal Government has a clear edge in weapons and reconnaissance capabilities, noting that the major breakthroughs recorded by the Nigerian Military in the war against Boko and terrorism include the capturing of many senior level Boko Haram commanders who were used as spies and treasury officials by the Nigerian military and security operatives.
She listed the achievements to include the arrest of Sadiq Ogwuche, one of the masterminds of the April 14, 2014 bombing of Nyanya motor park, among others.
Akinjide further told the women and youth that a recent Boko Haram threat against the Abuja transportation system was uncovered while the public was alerted and casualties were avoided. Equally, following a tip-off, Nigerian Police uncovered and prevented a bomb attack near a school in Gombe the capital of Gombe state, she disclosed.
She said, “The government recognizes that soft power was crucial in the battle against Boko Haram, and we know that force alone will not defeat insurgency.
“As a result, the Jonathan administration is implementing a comprehensive programme of assistance to support, protect and empower local communities with a special focus on the most vulnerable areas of the country.”
The minister listed the initiatives in this respect to include the Safe Schools Initiative developed to safeguard school children in states under emergency rule, by strengthening the security of educational facilities.
She added that the government is working with state governors, community leaders, teachers and parents to identify and remedy the vulnerabilities that put Nigerian children at risk.
On the role of diplomacy, she said the FG has been able to garner support from international partners, including governments and groups, particularly the international bring back our girls campaign that has successfully motivated global attention to terror in our region.
Olajumoke explained that President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated a number of strategies, which she said have generated international solidarity such as a meeting of Presidents of Chad, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Benin Republic, which was held in Paris.
Closely related to that, she pointed out, was the principled step taken by Economic Community of West African States on terrorism and cross border crime, at its 45th ordinary session, where the authority of ECOWAS Heads of State endorsed the efforts of Nigeria and committed itself to helping the country in its fight against terror.
Furthermore, the African Union and other African national interests have demonstrated stronger commitment to supporting Nigeria in this endeavour, the minister noted, stressing that the government would never play politics with the life of its citizens including the abducted Chibok girls.
This was stated by the Minister of State, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide who delivered a message on behalf of the Federal Government to the women and youths who had staged a protest against Boko Haram and terrorism at the Unity Fountain, Abuja to mark the 100 days of the abduction of over 200 girls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.
Participants at the protest include several NGOs and groups such as Kasuwa da Kasuwa, National Council of Women Societies, Gender Support for Women Emancipation Development, Lady Chy New World Order Foundation, Concerned Mothers Association of Nigeria and Hausa Community, National Association of Nigerian Students and others.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has procured new equipment and technology towards strengthening the capability and support for Nigerian military and security forces, adding that a delivery of such military equipment include highly sophisticated fighter helicopters with in-built night vision technology.
She said the Federal Government has a clear edge in weapons and reconnaissance capabilities, noting that the major breakthroughs recorded by the Nigerian Military in the war against Boko and terrorism include the capturing of many senior level Boko Haram commanders who were used as spies and treasury officials by the Nigerian military and security operatives.
She listed the achievements to include the arrest of Sadiq Ogwuche, one of the masterminds of the April 14, 2014 bombing of Nyanya motor park, among others.
Akinjide further told the women and youth that a recent Boko Haram threat against the Abuja transportation system was uncovered while the public was alerted and casualties were avoided. Equally, following a tip-off, Nigerian Police uncovered and prevented a bomb attack near a school in Gombe the capital of Gombe state, she disclosed.
She said, “The government recognizes that soft power was crucial in the battle against Boko Haram, and we know that force alone will not defeat insurgency.
“As a result, the Jonathan administration is implementing a comprehensive programme of assistance to support, protect and empower local communities with a special focus on the most vulnerable areas of the country.”
The minister listed the initiatives in this respect to include the Safe Schools Initiative developed to safeguard school children in states under emergency rule, by strengthening the security of educational facilities.
She added that the government is working with state governors, community leaders, teachers and parents to identify and remedy the vulnerabilities that put Nigerian children at risk.
On the role of diplomacy, she said the FG has been able to garner support from international partners, including governments and groups, particularly the international bring back our girls campaign that has successfully motivated global attention to terror in our region.
Olajumoke explained that President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated a number of strategies, which she said have generated international solidarity such as a meeting of Presidents of Chad, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Benin Republic, which was held in Paris.
Closely related to that, she pointed out, was the principled step taken by Economic Community of West African States on terrorism and cross border crime, at its 45th ordinary session, where the authority of ECOWAS Heads of State endorsed the efforts of Nigeria and committed itself to helping the country in its fight against terror.
Furthermore, the African Union and other African national interests have demonstrated stronger commitment to supporting Nigeria in this endeavour, the minister noted, stressing that the government would never play politics with the life of its citizens including the abducted Chibok girls.
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