The National Security Adviser(NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.), on Tuesday said security forces had received intelligence that some politicians were planning to use terrorists and bandits to cause violence during the forthcoming general elections.The NSA stated this during a meeting with state governors in Abuja, which was also attended by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
He noted that the government would demonstrate zero-tolerance for political thuggery and illegal bearing of firearms.
Monguno said, “In view of the usual stereotype that elections in Nigeria are always followed by violent clashes and sometimes loss of lives and property, the security agencies have been working round the clock to ensure the next general elections are free from any form of the usual after-election violence. However, recent intelligence reports have indicated plans by some individuals and groups to instigate violence during and after the coming elections.
“Reports reaching me have revealed that some individuals that are uncertain of their fate in the elections are plotting to precipitate widespread violence aimed at scuttling the conduct of the polls. There are indications that these unscrupulous elements are already mobilising merchants of violence, including bandits and terrorists to orchestrate violence during the elections in several states of the federation.
“No Individual or group’s ambition is worth the loss of life of any Nigerian or our national cohesion. In this regard, we owe Nigerians the duty to protect and preserve their lives and property regardless of our individual or group aspirations.”
The NSA said the governors as the chief security officers of “your respective states must carry out your primary function constitutionally which is the security and welfare of the people.”
He added, “In the same vein, we shall not spare any effort to do the needful in any event of activities that threatens the security and welfare of Nigerians. Therefore, I wish to state that no pseudo or quasi security outfits such as vigilantes or under any guise is allowed to participate in election security duties.