Government To Appoint Adviser On Terrorism

Government To Appoint Adviser On Terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan is to appoint a Special Adviser on Terrorism to control the spread of bombings in some parts of Nigeria.

The President revealed the Nigerian government's resolve to curb acts of terrorism at the end of an emergencyNational Security Council meeting, held in Abuja to review security situation after the series of bombings in Jos, Abuja and Borno recently.

The meeting also approved the setting up of various committees, including the body on the control of explosives and other incendiary materials and one to be responsible for public enlightenment on security awareness amongst the citizens.

The meeting condemned the act of terrorism displayed by the attackers and resolved to

introduce CCTVs in public places for access control.

The government has also planned to introduce regulations for access control in public and private establishments.

The security meeting also agreed to ensure prompt arrest and prosecution of individuals who act as political thugs, as preparations are intensified in the build-up to the scheduled 2011 elections.

The meeting directed that all armories licensed by the Nigeria Police are to be further inspected to regulate how the materials are imported and used in Nigeria.

The President assured Nigerians that he will liaise with the National Assembly to fast track the speedy passage of the Anti-terrorism bill before the parliament.

A spate of bomb blast in Nigeria recently has attracted international condemnation.

A twin blast in Jos, the capital of North central Plateau state, on Christmas eve killed several people and injured many others.

Another attack occurred on New Year eve, near an army barracks in Abuja, reportedly killing more than 20 people and wounding many more.

The United States has offered to assistthe Nigerian government as it works to bring the perpetrators to justice

President Barack Obama condemned the killing in Nigeria, saying ''I strongly denounce the killing of innocent civilians who were simply gathering – like so many people around the world – to celebrate the beginning of a New Year further demonstrates the bankrupt vision of those who carry out these attacks. ''

The United States, in a statement extended its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and to the wounded, adding: ''We stand with the Nigerian people at this difficult time.''

PR/ANO/Yinka