President Muhammed Buhari Addresses The Nation (Video)

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a stern warning to agitators issuing quit notices to other ethnic groups in their region. In an early morning broadcast, Buhari stated that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable. “Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance,''Buhari said. “I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view. “Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.” “This is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence. “The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse. “The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.” He recalled his encounter with the leader of the failed Biafra Republic, the late Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in 2003. “After I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analysed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united. “I am charging the security agencies not to let the successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax. “Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety. “Therefore we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against; “Elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets, Kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes, in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all. “Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of; economic security, political evolution and integration as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians. “I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained. I am so glad to be home.”

Here Is The 7 Important Matters Osinbajo, 36 Governors Discussed At National Economic Council Meeting

Osinbajo

Below are the main highlights of the 76th meeting of the National Economic Council (composed of all the 36 state governors, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria) held on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Abuja. 

NEC (3RD IN 2017) 76TH NEC MEETING –THURSDAY, 27TH APRIL, 2017

 

NATURAL RESOURCES FUND AND ECOLOGICAL FUND

 

The Accountant- General of the Federation briefed Council on the Development of Natural Resources and Ecological Funds as follows:

 

• That the Natural Resources Fund balance as at 31/3/17 – N70.9 billion

 

• Ecological Fund balance as at 31/3/17 – N33.645 billion

 

• States and Local Governments now to keep their share of Resources Fund and Ecological Fund for use of intervention as the need arises in their respective jurisdictions.

 

• Council also decided that an audit of the Ecological Fund be carried out by an Committee of governors and federal ministers.

 

• The Committee is comprised of the Governors of Oyo, Borno, Imo, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue States, and the Ministers of Finance and Environment.

 

This Committee will audit the Ecological Fund and come up with policy recommendations on how the fund should be managed and disbursed.

 

PARIS CLUB REFUND

 

• The Honourable Minister of Finance gave an update on the disbursement of the Paris Club refunds and addressed issues about the next round of the payments to the States after the first disbursements.

 

• State Governors at the meeting expressed appreciation to the President for the previous disbursements of the refund, which is more than 10 years overdue, and noted their expectations for the next round of refund from the FG.

 

EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT

 

• The Honourable Minister of Finance also told Council that the Balance in the Excess Crude Account as at April 26, 2017 stands at US$2.2billion.

 

FAAC BUDGET ESTIMATE

 

• The Honourable Minister of Finance presented a Budget Estimate for the operation of the Committee and Council approved.

 

OPERATION OF EFFICIENCY UNIT – FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE

 

• The Ministry of Finance also made presentation to Council on the Operations of the Efficiency Unit located in the Federal Ministry.

 

• Council was informed that the Unit has been able to save the FG a whopping of N17 billion since it was established.

 

• Council appreciated the presentation and urged that States also should establish Efficiency Units in order to entrench systems that will improve efficiency, reduce cost and block leakages in line with the fiscal sustainability plan.

 

SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME OF THE FG

 

• The Vice President updated Council on the progress of four of the Social Investment Programmes of the Administration, namely: N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer, Homegrown School Feeding Programme and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), for micro –credits.

 

• Council was also briefed about certain impediments and programme implementation delays noticed in the FG/States Government’s collaboration and resolved to end such obstacles to the successful implementation of the SIPs.

 

• Council therefore resolved to upgrade the States coordination units for the FG’s SIP to the Governor’s offices for better and more effective FG/State collaboration

 

UPDATE ON MENINGITIS

 

• Honourable Minister of Health made a presentation to Council on the update on the Meningitis Outbreak as follows:

 

• That there have been 9,646 suspected cases of Meningitis affecting 6 States in the country, namely Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi and Kaduna

 

• As at April 25, 2017, about 767 deaths had occurred, representing 9% of the infected population

 

• About N46.7 billion is required to vaccinate the valuable population

 

• Council expressed grave concern over the ravaging effects of the meningitis epitome in parts of the country and directed the Federal Ministry of Health to intensify its intervention efforts to contain the embarrassing epidemic, while advocating for increased funding for Health.

 

• The Minister in his presentation called for the establishment of a National Health Emergency Fund to be domiciled in the Presidency under the supervision of NEC Chairman.

 

ARMED HERDSMEN/FARMERS CONFLICT

 

• The National Security Adviser (NSA) today briefed Council on the security situation in the country, particularly as it has to do with conflict between armed herdsmen and farmers, especially in Kaduna, Taraba and Benue States among others.

 

• He told Council that security agencies have commenced a nationwide crackdown on armed herdsmen, gun runners, cattle rustlers, militants, militias and others perpetrators of violence.

 

• Governors gave a robust response to the presentations, commending efforts of the FG so far in tackling the security challenges and advocated for more collaboration between the FG and States.

 

• Council resolved that there is need to have an extraordinary session dedicated to discussing security issues in the country as a means to deepening the issues and effectively addressing the menace.

Where Is Buhari, All We Hear Is Buhari Said This, Buhari Said That — Fayose Questions Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence from state functions in recent days, especially the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, has been questioned by Governor Ayo Fayose, who is asking whether or not the president was now governing the country by proxy.

Fayose said; “Every day, what we hear is President said this, President said that without seeing the President in any official function and one is prompted to ask; where is the president?”

In a press release issued by the Governor's Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said it was becoming obvious that a group of cabal is exercising the powers of the President.

"I saw the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal on television responding to his suspension and what came to my mind was that there could actually be many presidents operating in the Buhari’s presidency.

“Perhaps, it is for this reason of possible existence of governments within the government of Buhari that confusion pervades the polity, with the President himself writing letter to the Senate to clear someone of wrongdoing and the same person being suspended three months after on the basis of the same allegation. It is also for this reason that the President nominated Ibrahim Magu to the Senate for confirmation as EFCC Chairman and the DSS, an agency under the Presidency wrote the Senate not to confirm him.

“Most importantly, the President did not attend the FEC meeting last week and the meeting did not hold this week under the flimsy excuse that Easter Break stalled it. How could Easter Break that ended on Monday be responsible for the inability to hold FEC meeting on Wednesday? Definitely, there is more to this than meets the eye.

“It has therefore become necessary that Nigerians hear the voice of their President and see him physically, not through surrogates or the cabal operating behind the scene,” the governor said.

Speaking further, Governor Fayose, who described a President as the face and image of a nation, urged President Buhari to hold regular media chat in which Nigerians can ask questions and offer suggestions on the running of the country.

“Since his first and only media chat was held in December 2015, Nigerians have not had opportunity of seeing their President address them directly and this is not the best approach to governance in a democracy,” he said.

President Buhari Cancels Today's FEC Meeting

The Weekly Federal executive council meeting will not hold today, April 19, 2017.
The council which has Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, all ministers and some top presidential aides as members is chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Members meet weekly inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

Vanguard quoted the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, saying that the Easter holiday was a possible reason why the meeting did not hold

He said that memos were not circulated to the Ministers by the FEC secretariat.

“The staff on the Council secretariat resumed on Tuesday after the Easter. There was no time to prepare and circulate memos to ministers. By practice, the ministers receive council memos two or three days ahead of meetings because they must read them and sometimes undertake research. It is not a rubber stamp council. So everyone must prepare themselves well for debates”, he said.

Recall that President Buhari was absent at the last week’s meeting, fueling speculations that his health had deteriorated but the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, dispelled the speculation, saying he was hale and hearty.

President Buhari's Easter Message To Nigerians

2017 EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

I congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of this year’s Easter.

I rejoice with you on this historic occasion signifying the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, redemption over condemnation, and hope over despair.
The commemoration of this special season in Christianity, is always preceded by fasting, piety, humility, penance and prayers of intercession in the build up to the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, an event which reunited man with his Creator.

The message of Easter is filled with themes of love, faith, sacrifice, dedication, commitment, fulfilment of prophecy, hope, expectation and victory, as espoused in the Scriptures and the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate yet another Easter, I urge all Nigerians to live peacefully with one another and do their utmost to make Nigeria a beautiful place to reside.
In the almost two years of this administration, we have worked hard to meet the expectations of Nigerians by improving security, especially in the North-East, sustaining the campaign against corruption and have taken steps to revitalize the economy.

We are determined as never before to continue with the fight against terrorism and insurgency; sustain the peace in the Niger Delta through engagements with stakeholders; and restore peace and stability in other parts of the country.

It is in our collective interest to live in peace because without peace, no meaningful and sustainable development can take place. Lack of peace in one part affects in one way or the other, all parts of the country. Our people must rediscover the values of peaceful co-existence, social justice, religious tolerance, dignity of labour and patriotism.

I enjoin all Nigerians to keep faith in the determination and ability of this administration to change the Nigerian story for the good of all.

I wish all Nigerians happy Easter celebrations.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI
April 15, 2017

President Buhari Appoints Heads of 23 Federal Agencies (See Full List)

President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointments of Chief Executives and Directors for twenty three Federal Government Agencies.

The list was released Thursday night.

The names of the new appointees and the agencies are as follows:

S/N ORGANIZATION APPOINTEE DESIGNATION


1) National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)

Barrister Julie Okah-Donli – Director-General

2) National Centre for Women Development (NCWD)

Barrister Mary Ikpere-Eta – Director-General


3) Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)

Bayo Somefun – Managing Director

Tijani Suleiman – Executive Director

Mr. Jasper Azuatalam – Executive Director


Kemi Nelson – Executive Director


4) Federal Mortgage Bank (FMB)


Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa – Managing Director


Melvin Eboh – Executive Director (Org. Resourcing)


Hajiya Rahimatu Aliyu – Executive Director (Loans Department, Securities Issuance and Market Development)


Umaru Abdullahi Dankane – Executive Director (Policy and Strategy Loans Set-Up and Pay Off)

5) Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)

Alex Okoh – Director General

6) Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA)

Abdulkadir Saidu Umar – Executive Secretary


7) National Park Service (NPS)

Ibrahim Musa Goni – Conservator-General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

8) Service Compact (SERVICOM)

Nnenna A. Akajemeli – National Coordinator/CEO

9) National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Ladan – Director General

10) Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS)

Saliu Dada Alabi – Director General

11) National Research Institute for Chemical Technology

Professor Jef. T. Barminas – Director General

12) Nigeria Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER)

Dr. Haruna Yerima – Director General

13) Nigeria Insurance Commission (NAICOM)

Sunday Thomas – Deputy Commissioner

14) Consumer Protection Council

Tunde Erukera – Executive Secretary

15) Federal Character Commission

Barr. Mohammed Bello Tukur – Secretary

16) National Pension Commission (PENCOM)

Dikko Aliyu Abdulrahman – Director-General (Subject to Senate Confirmation)

Funso Doherty – Chairman

Akin Akinwale – Executive Commissioner

Abubakar Zaki Magawata – Executive Commissioner

Ben Oviosun – Executive Commissioner

Nyerere Ayim – Executive Commissioner

17) Federal Capital Development Authority

Engr. Umar Gambo Jibrin – Executive Secretary

18) Nigeria Agriculture Insurance Corporation

Mrs. Folashade Joseph – Managing Director

19) Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON)

Cecilia Umaru Gaya, mni – Director General

20) Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board

Mrs. Luci Ajayi – Executive Secretary

21) Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority

Barrister Emmanuel Jimme – Managing Director

22) Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission

Lanre Gbajabiamila – Director General

23) Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council

Jalani Aliyu – Director General

21 Things To Know As Buhari Unveils Economic Recovery & Growth Plan

President Muhammadu Buhari will formally launch his administration’s economic recovery and growth plan, ERGP, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The plan is part of efforts by the Buhari-led federal government to sustain and build on the successes so far recorded in tackling corruption, improving security and revamping the economy.

The medium-term ERGP, which had been approved by the Executive Council of the Federation, has amongst its broad strategic objectives, restoring sustainable, accelerated inclusive growth and development; investing in the people; and building a globally competitive economy.

Following the Strategic Implementation Plan, SIP, formulated for the short-term objective of executing the 2016 ‘Budget of Change’, the government recently unveiled the comprehensive ERGP to pursue the medium to long-term objectives of realising certain national targets in the economy between 2017 and 2020.

Here are 21 things Nigerians should know about the ERG Plan:

1. The ERGP has three broad strategic objectives: restoring growth of the economy, investing in the Nigerian people, and building a globally competitive economy;

2. It targets the growth of Nigeria’s gross domestic product, GDP, by 2.19 percent in 2017 and 7.0 percent by the end 2020;

3. It envisages reducing inflation to single digit by 2020 and increasing federal government’s revenues from N2.7 trillion in 2016 to N4.7 trillion in 2020;

4. It prioritizes key turnaround interventions and enablers to generate concrete, visible impact by 2017 and articulates medium term economic policies for implementation between 2017 and 2020;

5. It focuses on achieving macroeconomic stability; economic growth and diversification; competitiveness and business environment; and governance and security;

6. It builds on the short-term Strategic Implementation Plan, SIP, for the 2016 ‘Budget of Change’ towards sustainable accelerated development for 2017-2020;

7. It is a multi-pronged agenda to tackle corruption, improve security and re-build the economy;

8. It is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, as it addresses economic, social and environmental sustainability issues;

9. It is different from previous plans, as there appears to be a strong political determination, commitment and will at the highest level to realize the objectives;

10. It has a delivery unit in the presidency to drive implementation of economic priorities;

11. It outlines initiatives to boost oil production to 2.5 million barrels by 2020, privatise selected public enterprises/asset, and revamp local refineries to reduce petroleum product imports by 60 per cent by 2018;

12. It builds on the National Industrial Revolution Plan and the Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan;

13. It seeks to promote effective collaboration and coordination between the federal and state governments’ work towards achieving national objectives;

14. It emphasises improvement on public and private sector efficiency towards increased national productivity, sustainable diversification of production, food and energy security.

15. It focuses on tackling constraints to national economic growth, by leveraging the power of the private sector towards economic recovery and transformation;

16. It has five execution priorities to kick-start economic recovery: stabilization of the macroeconomic environment, achieving agriculture and food security, ensuring energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, improving transport infrastructure, and driving industrialization through local and small business enterprise;

17. It is a blueprint for recovery in the short term and a strategy for sustained growth and development in the long term.

18. It merges the budget and planning functions into one ministry to create a better and stronger link between annual budgets and the national economic plan;

19. It seeks to help improve oil revenues earnings from N700 billion in 2016 to N1.3 trillion per year in 2017 and N1.45 trillion per year by 2020;

20. It aims to boost oil production from 1.4 million barrels per day in 2016 to 2.2 million barrels per day in 2017 and 2.5 million barrels per day by 2020.

21. It aims to boost efficiency in savings of N50 billion per year and reducing government overhead expenditures by 25 per cent.

President Buhari Launches Nigeria Economic Recovery And Growth Plan | Photos

President Muhammadu Buhari has launched the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP, which seeks to restore the nation’s economic status following the high rate of inflation and recession.

The launch was undertaken shortly before the commencement of the meeting of Federal Executive Council, FEC, inside the Council Chamber, Aso Rock, Abuja on Wednesday.

The launch was attended by all cabinet members as well as top government functionaries including the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun; Senate President Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari.

Mr. Buhari said his administration inherited numerous challenges at inception. He also said his campaign was based on the difficult situation that Nigeria was in and the need for enduring positive change.

The president said his administration is committed to delivering on the three key areas that he promised during the campaigns; which are to tackle corruption, insecurity and ensure economic growth.

“Security in the North East and other parts of Nigeria today is better than when we came in. Law enforcement agencies are prosecuting many cases of corruption and I assure all Nigerians that we are approaching our economic challenges in the same manner we are fighting insecurity and corruption,” he said.

The president said the ERGP focusses on agriculture with a view to ensuring adequate food security as well as energy, industrialisation and social investment.

He said the ERGP is an ambitious plan that seeks to achieve a 7 per cent economic growth by the year 2020. He said the aim is not just to remove the country out of recession, but to put it on the path of strength and growth, away from being an import dependent nation.

Source: Premium Times 

President Buhari At Jumat Prayer Today (Photos)

President Buhari attends his first Jumat after returning from a 50 Days Medical Vacation 

Nigerian Governors Present Card To President Buhari (Photo)

President Muhammadu Buhari On Thursday attended an expanded National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, with the state governors in attendance.

The meeting is usually presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Before taking his seat in the Council Chamber, Buhari took his time to shake hands with all the Governors present.

Chairman, Nigerian Governors' Forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, presented a Card to the President on behalf of the other governors.

Osinbajo had explained that the NEC was abridged in order to receive the President.

Buhari Meets Nigerian Governors for the First Time Since Resumption in Aso Rock (Photos/Video)

President Muhammadu Buhari this Thursday afternoon, met with members of the Nigerian Governors' Forum during the ongoing meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC).

President Buhari went round inside the Council Chambers to shake hands with all the governors in attendance.

It is not yet clear what exactly the president discussed with the governors as journalists were asked to leave.

This is Buhari's first interaction with the state governors since his return to Nigeria last Friday from his medical vacation in London.

The National Economic Council, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is composed of the 36 state governors, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and relevant ministers.

Aregbesola Signing Attendance

Governors at Meeting



Watch Video Below

What Saraki, Dogara Discussed With Buhari (Details)

Powerful Nigerian leaders, the speaker of the house and the senate president who together held a meeting at Aso Rock with Mr. President reveals to state journalists that they all discuss matter of “National Interest” Premium Times reports that the meeting was held for 40 minutes.

Tori News reports that Saraki, Dogara arrives Aso villa exactly 12:00noon in the same car to hold a close door meeting with president buhari

Mr. Saraki told State House correspondents that the president “engaged them very well”.

He said they specifically “came to discuss issues and activities of the National Assembly during the absence of the president”.

Mr. Saraki said the meeting centred on the “budget, the economy, CBN, Euro bond, the issue of the ambassadorial list, the stability in the Niger Delta, and a whole range of issues”.

Mr. Saraki said the Senate has a target to pass the 2017 budget this month.

On his perception of the president’s state of health, the senate president said Mr. Buhari met with them for 40 minutes, adding “I was not talking to myself.? He is doing very well, we discussed issues of national interest”.

On his part, Mr. Dogara said they were not at the villa to assess the president’s health.

He said the journalists who are always there surely knew the president was doing well.

On the relationship between the executive and legislature, Mr. Dogara said it was not in the place of the legislature to fight the executive.

“We fight on issues but mostly issues of national interest. We fight on behalf of the people for the purpose of progress.

“There is one government and no division. If he fails, we all fail, so it is in realisation of this that we always extend the needed support to ensure that he succeeds, so that the government will be rated as a success,” he said.

President Buhari Receives Emefiele, CBN Governor In Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, March 14th received the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele in Aso Rock.

The President also received Saraki and Dogara today at the state house.

BREAKING! Saraki, Dogara Meets Buhari In Aso Villa, Abuja

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have arrived the Presidential Villa, Abuja to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Vanguard, the two National Assembly leaders who drove in the same car to the Villa, reportedly arrived for the meeting just after 12noon, and are presently in a closed-door meeting in the president’s office.

More details shortly

Photos Of Buhari & Osinbajo Laughing Hard In Office Today

Don't Expect Much From Buhari As He Just Resumes Office Today — Garba Shehu

Buhari

The presidency over the weekend has warned Nigerians not to expect much from President Muhammadu Buhari as he resumes office today

Speaking during an interview with a print media, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media, Mr. Garba Shehu, said, “Let me first of all caution that he (Buhari) is not going to start in a dramatic way. He has been away from the country for nearly two months, so he needs to get into the temperature of the place.

“For instance, yesterday (Saturday), he went through the newspapers page by page, and he read everything that interested him. So he needs to get back to that place. The thing is that he’s basically human like all of us. He is coming out of an ailment and like he himself had said, he needs to start gradually.

“Don’t expect the president to be given neck-breaking schedules or punishing schedules like from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., or sometimes to 1a.m. to 2 a.m.,” Garba submitted.

Acting President, Osinbajo Receives Security Briefing At Aso Rock

Osinbajo

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, is currently receiving security briefings from service chiefs and heads of other security agencies.


The briefing is taking place at the Situation Room of the Ask Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali said the briefing is aimed at “allowing the service chiefs and other heads of security agencies to brief the acting president on the security situation in the country”.

Mr. Dan-Ali also said the meeting affords the security agencies an opportunity to express the “unflinching support, commitment and loyalty of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the present administration.”

The minister said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has provided the needed support to the armed forces which has impacted positively in its capacity to fight the insurgent Boko Haram and other security threats across the country.

He said relative peace has been restored to the restive north-east and that what the Nigerian Armed Forces is doing in most areas is to prepare for the return of civil authority and policing.

He said operations in the area have led to recovery of “weapons, communication equipment and arrest of many Boko Haram fighters.”

He also said part the successes recorded by the armed forces of recent is the rescue of many women and children held captive by the Boko Haram, while many commanders of the sect were arrested.

He said many more surrendered to the armed forces.

Mr. Dan-Ali, a retired brigadier general, said the Nigerian military is also providing aid to many displaced persons camps in the form of good clothing and water supplies, while roads hitherto closed have been reopened.

On Southern Kaduna, Mr. Dan-Ali said the Nigerian Army is in the process of building a new barracks in Kafanchan town to consolidate the military presence in the zone.

He said peace talks are currently ongoing among the people of the area to address constant clashes between farmers and herders.

Source: NigerianEye