Chibok Schoolgirls: Nigerian military undertakes land, air patrol of Northeast – Olukolade

“All Nigerians and the International community are interested in bringing our girls back.’’

The Nigerian military said on Monday that land and air patrols were ongoing in the entire North-East in the bid to rescue the school girls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State, on April 14.

The Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, stated this at the World Joint Security Briefing in Abuja on Monday.

“I want to reaffirm that as we sit here, patrols are ongoing on land and air in the entire north-east with special focus on where we believe that we need to secure our girls,” he said.

He added that the military was discussing with international partners on how to rescue the Chibok girls.

He said there had been constant exchanges of briefs in furtherance of the commitment of the Federal Government to partner with them in the efforts to rescue the girls.

“There are efforts in different directions to bringing our girls back. All Nigerians and the International community are interested in bringing our girls back.’’

Mike Omeri, Coordinator, National Information Centre, spoke on the reported threat by Boko Haram to attack two schools in Benue.

“The threat issued to the school in Makurdi must be the handiwork of mischief makers.

“However, security agencies and authorities have been alerted to deploy the necessary personnel to the area.

“All apparatuses of security agencies are on high alert to make sure that the security of citizens is guaranteed.

“We believe that it is the handwork of mischief makers but we will, however, not take things for granted

“Therefore, authorities have deployed appropriate personnel within the metropolis and around the school to ensure that the threat is not taken for granted’’, he said

Mr. Omeri advised media houses who wished to visit operational areas to take steps that will not jeopardise the safety of their staff or compromise the crime scene.

“Any organisation wishing to visit Chibok or any other area should please approach the appropriate authorities for guidance and advice in the interest of their protection and safety,” he said.

(NAN)