The Federal Government, yesterday said the search was continuing for 219 Chibok schoolgirls abducted nearly a year ago.
Coordinator of the National Information Centre, NIC, Mr. Mike Omeri, who stated this in Abuja during a briefing on security situation in the country, insisted that hope of rescuing the girls was not lost.
He admonished Nigerians to be hopeful, as recovery of the captured towns and villages from Boko Haram by Nigerian troops were still ongoing.
Omeri said: “The search for the Chibok girls continues and that is why even with the capture of Bama and the rest, security and the military have not relented, and until it is concluded, we cannot begin to believe speculation.
“I think the one year anniversary is next week, and we hope to give a comprehensive report on what we know so far, and how far the searching has gone.
“So, the assurance I will give you is that everywhere is being combed and whatever element we find will be revealed to the appropriate authority and nobody is going to keep anything secret.”
Omeri also said reclaiming territories held by insurgents and establishment of an atmosphere of peace and safety in them remained top priority of the Federal Government.
He said the successes recorded by troops in regaining control of Boko Haram strongholds in Borno State were testimony of the unwavering commitment in defeating the insurgents.
According to him, the recapture of Alagarno in Borno, a well-known strategic stronghold of Boko Haram, had dealt a severe blow on their capacity to carry out surprise attacks on communities in the state.
“In a situation such as presently exists in the area, there is a high tendency for the insurgent group to suddenly aim at soft targets to destabilise communities which are regaining normalcy.
“However, the Nigerian military has continued to bring the situation under control and also safeguard the lives and property of citizens, while humanitarian assistance is being provided by appropriate authorities.
“The centre, therefore, calls on Nigerians, particularly those living in the affected communities, to continue to support the efforts of our military and security forces at restoring normalcy in the area,” he said.
On the forthcoming gubernatorial and states House of Assembly election, Omeri called on the public to be vigilant and conduct themselves well to ensure peaceful poll, promising adequate security of lives and properties.
He said: “In respect of the forthcoming governorship and state Assembly elections, we remind the citizens to maintain a similar level of vigilance and caution to ensure a peaceful and incident–free exercise.
“We also wish to use this platform to remind Nigerians of the imperative of their participation in the next leg of the general elections scheduled to hold on April 11, 2015.
“Efforts are being made to ensure a hitch – free exercise, the NIC wishes to reassure Nigerians, especially those living in communities that recently experienced some security challenges arising from the activities of Boko Haram resurgence, that our military and security forces are, more than ever, very ready to ensure the protection of lives and property, while securing the country’s territorial integrity.”
