21st July, 2014
The Federal Government has said Ismalist sect Boko Haram has not taken over Damboa town in Borno state. FG will not concede any portion of Nigeria to terrorists and is taking measures to address all security challenges, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, has said.
Olukolade gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday while fielding questions at the daily security update at the National Information Centre.
He spoke in respect of some media reports that terrorists had taken over Damboa in Borno and hoisted their flag in the town.
“There is no iota of credibility in these reports. The reports are baseless and have no truth in them.
“We are not conceding any portion of this country to any terrorist group. Be assured that security agencies are firming up deployments in the entire area (Damboa), our patrols are also active there.
“We are going to reverse every form of insecurity in that area very soon,” Olukolade said.
Mike Omeri, Coordinator, National Information Centre, said government was aware of plans by some groups to mobilise children nationwide to commemorate 100 days of the kidnap of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno.
The girls were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on April 14.
Omeri, who said that citizens had the right to protest and demand whatever they wanted in a democracy, however, advised parents not to allow their children to be used for “subversive activities”.
“There is no need for us to create another round of catastrophe by leading our children to where they ought not to be.
“A lot of groups have come to show solidarity with the government, with the families of the Chibok girls and the girls themselves, this is commendable and encouraging.
“Some, however, are misdirecting the campaign by introducing issues that are inimical to the entire process,” Omeri said.
Ms Marilyn Ogar, spokesperson of the Department of State Services (DSS), denied a report that Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, the Coordinator of BringBackOurGirls campaign, was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday.
Ogar, however, accused Ezekwesili of creating a scene with a view to attracting unnecessary attention at the airport during the process of screening passengers about to board their flight.
“We do not have any such person (as Ezekwesili) in detention facility right now, you know that statutorily, the DSS clears all passengers going out and coming into this country.
“Let people stop trying to arrogate to themselves unnecessary importance when we have serious security challenges in our hands.
“Security issues must not be trivialised for any reason, please,” she said.