Soldiers’ killings: Again, Buhari meets Service Chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari, for the second time, has met with the nation’s Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) since news of the killing of soldiers in Metele village, Borno, by Boko Haram insurgents came to public knowledge.

About 100 soldiers were reported to have been killed in the latest attack by the insurgents on military formation.

A Presidency source, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the meeting took place, on Sunday morning, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to determine how to stem the tide.

The president had expressed deep shock over the killing of the military personnel.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in Abuja, on Saturday, it said following the outrage by Nigerians expressing displeasure that the Presidency was silent over the attack, President Buhari had assured that immediate measures were being taken to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all.

President Buhari had said that his administration remained ever committed and focused on the security of military personnel and other citizens.

The statement quoted him as saying, “No responsible Commander-in-Chief would rest on his oars or fold his hands to allow terrorists to endanger the lives of its military personnel and other citizens.

“Our loyal forces have proved their strength over the terrorists and we are ready to give them all the needed support in terms of equipment and manpower to succeed in ending the renewed threat.

“In the coming days, I am engaging the military and Intelligence Chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be taking.”

President Buhari also noted that fighting terrorism has taken a global dimension, which necessitates international collaboration among states facing similar security challenges.

He had reassured Nigerians of his continued commitment to their security and of his efforts to sustain the momentum in the previous significant successes recorded against the terrorists.

He, however, advised Nigerians against making a political capital out of national tragedy, stressing that members of the armed forces are one family who are commonly committed to the security and safety of all Nigerians.