From Bello Wakili (Abuja)
Federal Government says security has been beefed up at borders to control eventual influx of refugees and possible inflow of weapons due to the crisis in Chad.
The Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Bashir Magashi, stated this while briefing State House correspondents on the performance of his ministry.
According to him, Marshal Idris Derby being in power for over three decades is seen by some as abnormal in democracy, but his death has thrown countries in the Sahel Region and beyond into a deep fret.
He said the fret was because Marshal Idris Derby was a very formidable, significant stabilising factor to reckon with in the region, whose death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
Given Nigeria’s proximity to Chad, Magashi said the country is keenly following developments in Chad to avoid surprises.
Shedding light on its ongoing operations to restore peace in the country, the Minister called for a strong military-community collaboration in the provision of credible intelligence.
Retired Major General Magashi said the equipment ordered by the government would soon be delivered, emphasising that their deployment would give soldiers the required impetus to accomplish the war against outlaws.
The Minster said 9 of the 12 weapons stolen by those who recently killed 11 soldiers in Benue State had been retrieved, and some arrests made, warning that no mercy would be dispensed on criminals.