By Caleb Ayansina, Vanguard
The Federal government, yesterday, said that it had repatriated 82 foreigners over what it described as nefarious activities that might undermine the country’s security.
The foreigners, who were repatriated from Jos include Chadians, Nigerien and Senegalese.
The Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri, who made the disclosure during a security briefing along side with the representatives of security forces, in Abuja, said those nationals repatriated were jobless.
According to him, “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.”
On the fight against terrorism, Omeri said that the Nigeria’s military had successfully executed military operations from active intelligence on Boko haram.
“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,” he said.
While commending some neighboring countries for their efforts in combating insurgents, Omeri called on others who try to rubbish the image of Nigeria to have a rethink.
“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,” Omeri said.
The Centre however commended the efforts of Nigerians, the Military, local community militia and other security forces for their complementary roles in the success recorded so far in the campaign against terror in the North East of the country.
Omeri reassured “all Nigerians of the commitment of the government, with the support of other regional governments, to eradicate insurgency and restore peace and normalcy in the country.
“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.
“The public is therefore being urged to report any suspicious behaviour of persons to the nearest security office.”