National Security Council, made up of top security leaders in the army, Navy, air force, police and others, gathered today, October 14, at the Presidential Villa to address the implications of the discharge order by a Court of Appeal, on the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and other security matters.
Speaking jointly to news men shortly after the meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the Interior minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi said that the issue of Nnamdi Kanu was raised at the Council.
They said that it was observed that Kanu was discharged, but not acquitted, adding: “so, government is considering the appropriate action to be taken on the matter and Nigerians will be notified of the position that will finally be taken on the matter in due course.”
They said that the Council took a look at the issue of 101 ex-combatants who were taken to Operation Safe Corridor and are currently undergoing the process of de-radicalization at the center.
“These were ex-combatants that have been in detention for several years, some of whom have served their terms. Others were those that were awaiting trial, but because of the long time that they’ve been involved and in line with the protocol or the procedure for handling anyone who has been exposed to terrorism or related offenses, the procedure for them to be taken through a process of de-radicalization.
“That’s the reason why they have been moved to that center, and to also indicate about the activities of the armed forces and other security agencies within the oil and gas space were also commended, but with a directive to sustain the pressure and, of course in addition to what the Honourable Minister of Interior has indicated, it’s our resolve, our readiness, to deal decisively with those who have been involved in those malfeasance.”
Those in attendance of the security council meeting today are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major General Babagana Monguno; Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.
Also in attendance are the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar as well as Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.
