President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that anyone or group of persons trying to trivialise or politicise the security situation of the country would be made to face severe consequences.
According to him, security agencies would not hesitate to deal with such persons.
The president gave the warning on Friday when he received the Dapchi school girls who were released by the terrorists group, Boko Haram, on Wednesday.
The president received the girls numbering 107 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
His words: “May I also warn those elements who have chosen to make political fortune of our citizens’ misfortune. Government would not tolerate any attempt by any person or group to trivialise or politicise security issues for politically motivated ends.
“Accordingly, security agencies would not hesitate to decisively deal with such unscrupulous characters.”
Also, the president who lamented that the country had suffered too much hostility appealed to the terrorists groups and Nigerians in general to embrace peace.
He gave the assurance that Nigeria was ready to accept the unconditional laying down of arms by members of Boko Haram who might show strong commitment in that regard.
“We are ready to rehabilitate and integrate such repentant members into the larger society.
“This country has suffered enough of hostility.
“Government is, therefore, appealing to all to embrace peace for the overall development of our people and the country,” the president said.
The president who formally announced the return of the abducted girls expressed appreciation to all Nigerians who, despite their differences prayed and showed solidarity with families of the abducted students, during the period of the captivity.
He also thanked the security agencies for their loyal and tireless efforts in ensuring their safe return of the girls.
The president emphasized the commitment of his government to the continued protection of lives and property in the country.
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He pledged that his government would leave no stone unturned to ensure the safe return of the remaining Chibok girls.
He also spoke of measures put in place to ensure that all the schools vulnerable to attack were protected, adding that any security personnel found wanting would be severely dealt with.
According to him, never again should such an incident happen.
The president state further on efforts that led to the release of the girls: “We are never in doubt about our focus and direction since the assumption of office of this Administration. Security, anti-corruption and revamping of our economy are the main focus of our government.
“You will recall that on 14th of this month, I paid a visit to Yobe State during which I sympathised with the parents, families, Government and people of the State for the tragic abduction of the students in Dapchi.
“I made a solemn pledge on my word of honour that this Administration would do everything possible to ensure the unconditional release of the girls.
“I further tasked all the appropriate security agencies to safely bring back the girls. We also reached out to our contacts at home and abroad. We embarked on back-channel shuttles with a clear view to bringing to an end this tragedy.
“We entered into negotiations solely to make sure that no single girl was hurt. This strategy paid off as the girls have been released without any incidents.
“Let me reemphasize our Administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency, and also call on all Nigerians, to join in this task. The security services have since been directed to put in place further measures around all schools vulnerable to attacks to ensure the safety of our pupils/students and teachers and school workers.
“I have tasked all the security agencies to work to ensure that we do not witness any recurrence of these incidents. Security Chiefs have been warned in clear terms that any lapse on their part will be viewed seriously.”
The president, giving assurance of safety to the girls said that they would freely live and pursue their dreams in Nigeria of peace and order, without fear of violence or molestation.
“While parents of the Dapchi girls rejoice because of the reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the Chibok Community never to lose hope or to despair.
“We are determined as never before, to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters. And this, we must accomplish. And that will be soon by God’s grace,” the president said.