FG to improve security on inter-state routes

The Federal Government has pledged to elevate security measures along inter-state routes.

This is in a bid to strengthen the nation's internal security.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed the commitment after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in Abuja on Friday.

According to a statement by Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser to the Minister on media, the meeting aimed to strengthen collaborations for the revolutionary development of road infrastructure as a key strategy in enhancing national security.

The minister, emphasising the critical role of road infrastructure in improving various sectors of the economy, noted that good roads will aid the implementation of the security roadmap of the current administration.

He said, “I commend Mr. President very highly, and I thank members of the public who have also supported in different dimensions. Yes, we have discussed certain infrastructure as it concerns my ministry to enhance their performances, and our minds are working together.

“The main focus of Mr. President, when it comes to road infrastructure is the interstate routes that are linked to security operations nationwide. The palliative jobs, and the roads that are linked to markets, industries and factories. And so, this is one of the mandates that Mr. President has given to us. And so, we are going to hasten this mandate and to ensure that the desire of Mr. President, as far as road infrastructure is concerned is achieved.”

“Road is everything. If you improve the roads, you have improved security, agriculture, education, and commerce, and you have improved the happiness of people.”

Umahi assured the public that the government was already in the field, undertaking repairs on over 320 roads as directed by the President.

The Chief of Army Staff, speaking on behalf of the visiting team, underscored the essence of the meeting.

He highlighted the discussions on national power support to military field operations, focusing on the role of infrastructural upgrades in enhancing military effectiveness nationwide.

“We have discussed extensively, and we are glad that the Hon. Minister of Works is disposed to some of the suggestions that we have made on the need to focus on some critical roads that will impact positively military operations across the country,” said the Chief of Army Staff.

He expressed optimism that the promises made by the Minister of Works would translate into tangible activities, further reinforcing the government's commitment to improved national security.

Recently, there has been public outrage over the rising insecurity in the country.

Abductions, which were previously restricted to the North-West, have in recent times spread to other parts of the country including Lagos, Ogun and Delta states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The crisis came to a head last week when bandits took their battles to the FCT when they kidnapped 23 people in the Bwari area of the federal capital.

But the government has responded albeit tardily by constituting special intervention squads to combat criminal elements.