Politics Read President Goodluck Jonathan's Speech at the Regional Summit on Security in Nigeria here- Part 2

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LequteMan

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The activities of the terrorists have also been felt across Nigerian borders, particularly in Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Border and cross-border attacks have taken place with Boko Haram terrorists seeking refuge in our neighbouring countries.

So many Nigerians, fleeing from terror attacks, have also become refugees in our neighbouring countries creating additional burden (security and financial) in those countries.

It is the regional and global character of the terrorists’ campaign that makes it imperative that we explore and adopt a regional and global approach to addressing this insurgency and menace.

Indeed, in the spirit of collective regional security, it is important that we accept that an attack on one country is an attack on all of us, and our common humanity.

It is equally important that we accept the principle of hot pursuit of terrorists in the context of joint border patrols and cooperation in order to deny them sanctuaries and make it impossible for them to take refuge in each other’s territory.

I note with satisfaction that some mechanisms for joint border patrols, including customs and immigration administration, have commenced.

But we need to do more to restore security along our common borders, focussing especially on the actualisation of the mandate of the Multinational Task Force on the Lake Chad Basin.

In addition, we have intensified the exchange of intelligence and information on cross-border movements of goods and services of illicit origin, especially small arms and light weapons as well as human trafficking.

At the multi-lateral level, we are developing a regional strategy to win the war against terror within the region.

The importance we attach to combating terrorism informed our decision to invite African leaders during our centenary celebrations to deliberate on ‘Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for 21st Century Africa’.

We have signed bilateral agreements with our neighbouring countries on security and are engaged in Joint Operations with Benin Republic, Chad and Niger.

In this regard, we welcome the support and assistance of all our partners from the region, the continent and around the world in providing technical expertise, training programmes and support for border-area management programmes.

At the international level, we should take concrete steps to designate the Al Qaeda in West Africa, alias Boko Haram, as a Terrorist Organisation on the basis of the Proscription Order that my government has already imposed on the organisation.

We should also accelerate the implementation of other international sanctions, particularly under the auspices of the UN, on Boko Haram, Ansaru and their principal leaders.

We are already making thorough intelligence efforts to identify their sponsors and their sources of funding and arms supply.

I have no doubt that with the cooperation of Nigeria’s neighbours, it would be possible to rein in these organisations until this scourge is ultimately eliminated and defeated.

We will not succumb to terrorists and their dangerous tactics. Terrorists will not be allowed to define who we are or instil fear in our people and cause destruction and mayhem.

Time has, therefore, come for all peace-loving peoples of the world to unite against this new threat to global peace and stability.

The abduction of young innocent school girls in Chibok represents a watershed and a turning point in the global terrorist war against human civilisation.

The escalation by the terrorists should not go unanswered by us. The world is entering a new stage and we must stand firm to protect our civilisation.

I will like to seize this opportunity to express the gratitude of the government and the people of Nigeria to all countries who are actively participating, side by side, with our country, in seeking the rescue of these school girls.

I must commend the efforts of countries like France, the U.S., the UK and Israel, among other partners who have offered technical assistance to my government in our joint efforts to rescue these innocent children.

The major challenge that we have faced in our search and rescue operation so far has been the deluge of misinformation about the whereabouts of the girls and the circumstances of their disappearance.

We have deployed about 20,000 troops to the area, intensified aerial surveillance, and strengthened local intelligence resources.

We shall spare no effort, we shall explore every avenue, we shall turn every stone to ensure the return of the girls to their families and that the terrorists are defeated.

Once again, I wish to thank all participants for your attendance at this conference.

I am confident that the outcome of our deliberations will go a long way in assisting us to address both the immediate challenges and root causes of Boko Haram insurgency in order to restore enduring peace and stability, not just to Nigeria, but also to our sub-region.

This latest attack is a wake-up call for all of us. A line has been drawn in the sand; a test is put to each one of us. Nigeria will rise up to this challenge and will prevail.

I call upon each one of you to stand up and be counted with us in this fight.

I thank you all.

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