Security: Jonathan Summons Governors And Members Of National Security Council

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has summoned members of the National
Security Council to a meeting tomorrow at the Presidential Villa against
the background of recent events and developments in the country.

The meeting which will be presided over by President Jonathan is scheduled
for thursday at 11:am

Those expected at the meeting include Vice President Namadi Sambo, the
Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau, the National Security Adviser,
Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the
Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General
of National Intelligence Agency.

The meeting of the National Security Council will be followed at 1300
Hours by an enlarged meeting on security developments in the country to
which President Jonathan has invited State Governors.

President Jonathan, members of the National Security Council and the state
governors will review the security situation in the country as well as
ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to
determining the best way forward.

President Jonathan reassures all Nigerians and persons living in the
country that the Federal Government remains very mindful of its
responsibility for the safety of their lives and properties in all parts
of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them
from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity.

The President is particularly concerned about the plight of the young
Senior Secondary School girls who were reportedly abducted from their
school in Borno State on Monday night and has ordered the military and
national security agencies to deploy maximum efforts towards rescuing all
of the girls and returning them safely to their parents. He welcomes
reports that the military and security agencies have already rescued some
of the girls.

President Jonathan deeply regrets the pain, sorrow and anguish brought
upon many Nigerian families in recent days as a consequence of recurring
security challenges which the nation is contending with.

The President remains convinced that with the patriotic commitment and
support of all Nigerians, the country will ultimately overcome its present
challenges and move forward in unity and strength.

In this regard, President Jonathan will be pleased to see all politicians
in the country exhibiting greater responsibility and patriotism by doing
more to support his administration’s sincere efforts to enhance national
security rather than trying to build political capital out of the pain and
misery of their compatriots.