May 29: NSA assures of adequate security

The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno, has assured Nigerians of adequate security during the presidential inauguration ceremony.

Monguno gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja at a World Press Conference organised to mark the commencement of activities for the May 29 presidential inauguration.

The NSA, who heads the Security, Facilities and Intelligence Committee of the Presidential Transition Council, said necessary measures had been put in place to provide all-round security.

He said security would be beefed up at Eagle Square, the venue of the May 29 presidential inauguration and its environs.

Monguno also said there would be tight security in and around hotels to ensure the safety of guests coming into the Federal Capital Territory from within and outside Nigeria.

According to him, membership of the committee, which is drawn from various security agencies, has been collaborating to ensure a seamless transition.

“It is perhaps the most critical of all the committees by virtue of the nature of its own task.

“That is why membership of the committee comprises representatives or heads of agencies at the highest level.

“The Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director General of the SSS, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and the Governor of Kebbi State, who sits in as a representative of the incoming government,” he said.

Monguno further said, “Our main function and primary concern is the provision of both overt and covert security cover for all the venues where the programmes will take place.

“As well as hotels in which invited guests and dignitaries will be staying for the period up to the inauguration and immediately after.”

On the restriction of movement, Monguno said there would be restriction of movement at a certain range around Eagle Square.

He also said there would be traffic diversion and provision of alternative routes for motorists and pedestrians.

While assuring Nigerians of a peaceful inauguration, he urged them to steer clear of anything that would threaten the peace of the nation.

“The committee has concluded arrangements for accreditation and issuance of tags, passes and identity documents for all security agents.

“If you have no business with security you need not be near the vicinity of the programme, especially on the inauguration day.

“We do not envisage anything that will be negative on that day, so, I urge everybody to be calm,” he said.