President Buhari has said that Nigeria needs to begin to look beyond military and security agencies for lasting solutions to challenges of insecurity across the country.

The President stated this Tuesday in Abuja in an address at the opening ceremony of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC). A statement released by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, quotes the President as saying that Nigerians need to get more interested in working with security agencies to tackle the challenges facing the country.

“Security is not just a military concern but a challenge for all Nigerians. No matter the amount of money invested in military operations, without the support of the people, display of patriotism and preparedness for everyone to be ready to take ownership of securing our environment, success will be limited.

“Consequently, we must look beyond the military and the security agencies for enduring solutions to the security challenges we are facing,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.

President Buhari said the administration had put in place measures to adequately support the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in terms of modern equipment, boosting the manpower of all security agencies and financing their operations in Nigeria and other international assignments.

“We have equally, recently, put in place a National Development Plan (2021 – 2025) covering medium- and long-term plans, with a vision to make Nigeria a country that has unlocked its potentials in all sectors of the economy for sustainable, holistic, and inclusive national development.

“We will in this regard be building a thriving and sustainable economy while improving access to quality education; enhance social inclusion as well as expand infrastructure among several others. All of these desirables can only be achieved in a peaceful and secure environment” he said

The President said security outfits in the country deserved commendation for their efforts in tackling issues of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

He assured Nigerians that the issue of kidnapping that had bedevilled the country in the recent past was being tackled with all seriousness.

“We have zero tolerance for kidnapping, especially of school children and we shall deal with such outrages decisively. The disruption of our educational system and economic activities will not be tolerated.