The Federal government Nigeria has repatriated 82 foreign nationals for several uncanny activities that may undermine the country’s security, Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri, has announced.
Omeri disclosed the move in Abuja on Friday during a security briefing which also had representatives of all security forces in the country in attendance.
He noted that the foreign nationals including Chadians, Nigerien and Senegalese who were arrested in Jos, plateau State capital, were all jobless.
“We wish to inform the media of the recent repatriation from Jos of a number of nationals of Chadian, Nigeriene and Senegalese origins for nefarious activities that could undermine the security of Nigeria,” Omeri said.
He also told journalists that the country’s military has successfully executed military operations from active intelligence on Boko haram.
He also commended some neighbouring countries for their efforts in combating the deadly extremist sect terrorising Nigerians in the north-eastern region, while urging others to follow suit as terrorism can not be combated alone.
“As a result of the ongoing military training and a newly established intelligence sharing mechanism, Nigeria’s military has executed successful military operations from active intelligence on Boko Haram positions and will continue to make these positive gains against the group with new aerial equipment providing wide territorial coverage and increased response capability,” Omeri said.
“We equally call on others wishing to make political capital and rubbish the image of Nigeria and her efforts in the fight against terror to have a rethink.
“As it is Nigeria today, it could be the turn of another country tomorrow, hence the need for collaboration and cooperation in whatever capacity.”
He reassured Nigerians that the government remains committed to restoring peace to every part of the nation while banishing insurgency of any form for ever.
Obviously pointing to the more than 200 school girls kidnapped in Chibock more than 170 days ago, Omeri said the government has also not lost focus on the search and rescue of “our nationals who are experiencing the trauma of captivity.”
“The safety and security of all Nigerians is the foremost priority of the government and all necessary security measures are being implemented,” he said.
He thus urged the public is to report any suspicious persons or actions to the nearest security office.