The National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), on Thursday denied claims that the Federal Government was reluctant to accept international assistance on the Boko Haram insurgency.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Nigeria was reported in some quarters to have declined global assistance to curb insurgency in the country,
Dasuki spoke in London at a briefing on: “Nigeria’s Security: Insurgency, Elections and Coordinating Responses to Multiple Threats,” organised by the Chatham House.
He said that the claims were baseless and untrue, while noting the various collaborative effort between Nigeria on the one hand and UK, US, France as well as Chad among others on the other in tackling the insurgency.
“There are physical troops from Chad partnering with Nigeria, while the US, UK and France are offering assistance in capacity building and equipment supply,” he said.
The NSA also refuted claims on high level conspiracy in the army to prolong the insurgency, as well as lack of sophisticated equipment to fight the insurgents.
He said: “The people peddling these stories were personnel who were not committed to the profession.
“Rather than operate in line with the dictates of the job, they acted contrary to the law and they have been court marshalled.”
While speaking on the nation’s level of preparedness ahead of next month’s general elections, Dasuki said adequate security measures had been put in place to forestall election and post election violence.
He said the 2011 post-election violence stemmed from people’s perception, adding: “So we have commenced sensitisation on ballot without bullets, to discourage the youth from violence.
“Similarly, stakeholders in the election have signed an agreement known as the ‘Abuja Accord’ on non violence.”
Dasuki also addressed concerns over the 30 million people without permanent voter cards, saying that it would be logical for the Independent National Electoral Commission to postpone the election.
“These are my personal views, but if INEC can guarantee that it would provide the Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election, then it should go ahead,” Dasuki said.
Fielded questions from participants on the Baga attack in Borno State and the Chibok girls, the national security adviser expressed government’s commitment in tackling the nation’s security challenges, noting that it would require a collaborative effort from Nigerians.
NAN reports that the event attracted participants from the international community, academia and media.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute, which organises briefings on global issues.
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