There will be a renewed momentum against terrorism – Monguno

Abiodun OBA

The National Security Council, Thursday, has agreed on new strategies to curtail the fast-spreading insecurity and terrorist attacks nationwide, assuring that there will be a renewed momentum against terrorism.

The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd), revealed this to State House correspondents at the close of Thursday’s security council meeting chaired by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Monguno who spoke alongside the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, said the President is well aware of the dire security challenges the country finds itself in at the moment.

However, he said the solution will not come from a single strategy.

“We are in a difficult situation. The council understands. The President understands. But there is no straight, cut and drive method around this unless we collectively fight it.

“People are getting tired and are beginning to gravitate into other means of self-help. But the truth is that help is rooted in everyone working together to end this,” he said.

Citing last Friday night’s attack on the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Presidential Guards Brigade, the NSA argued that no country can win an asymmetric warfare without the help of its citizens.

“The various entities concerned have started working on these new strategies. They have also given their word to the President,” Monguno explained.

He also revealed that Council will soon conclude its special investigation on the July 5 Kuje Correctional Center attack—that saw the release of over 600 terrorists—and would punish those who, by neglect of duty, allowed the terrorists get away.

The NSA, who didn’t entertain questions from journalists afterwards, cautioned the media against giving wide publicity to the terrorists, saying such materials flooding the internet have dire consequences for the country.