Insecurity in Nigeria is very challenging – Osinbajo

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, says the insecurity in the country is very challenging.

Mr Osinbajo stated this when he played host to religious leaders from the Northern part of the country under the aegis of the Arewa Pastors Forum for Peace.

This is coming after his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed surprise at the continued existence of terrorists and worsening security situation in the country.

In a statement by Laolu Akande, his spokesman, the vice president said the administration of his principal was handling the issues of security well.

“We are handling security well, and as you know, including military deployment in diverse fields, like the Boko Haram in the North-East,” Mr Akande quoted his principal as saying.

He added that they were doing more to increase the security of lives and properties across the country.

“In fact, we have to now recruit more into the army, and much faster than we ever did because we need men on the ground; resources also – to buy more arms, to buy more platforms.

“At the last meeting of the National Security Council that was held on Thursday, we had discussions on how to beef up the military’s platforms.

“How do we beef up the numbers? How do we recruit more men and women into the army? How do we collaborate more with local vigilante, the Civilian Joint Task Force and all that.

“So, there is a lot going on in terms of trying to beef up security; the security situation is one that is very challenging.

“We are also looking at aspects of surveillance – how we can do more aerial surveillance using drones and electronic devices to improve surveillance,” he added.

Earlier in his remark, President of the Forum, Bishop Mbayo Japhet, said the group’s visit to the Presidential Villa was to support the president and the vice president in discharging their duties.