The federal government has warned those attacking security operatives and formations across the country that they are asking for war.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made the submission on Tuesday during a press conference in Lagos where he addressed issues of insecurity across the nation noting that it has attained a dangerous trend.
While condemning the attacks on security personnel and formations, Mohammed warned that the growing trend of such attacks is worrisome and needs to stop.
The Minister said if the perpetrators don’t stop, they will be met with overwhelming force from the government.
He said: “Now, there is a growing dangerous trend which I will like to comment on. It is the practice of launching deadly attacks against the nation’s security personnel. Soldiers as well as police, customs, and other security agents have been killed and maimed in some parts of the country in this growing trend of targeting security forces.
“I want to say, unequivocally, that any attack on our security men and women is an attack on the state and a declaration of war against the nation. It follows, therefore, that this will be countered with overwhelming force.
“When those whose responsibility it is to protect us are themselves being subjected to mindless attacks, it can only be for one reason only: To instill fear and evoke a sense of pervasive insecurity among the people.
“Whether known or unknown gunmen, those engaged in this dastardly act will pay dearly for their actions.”
Mohammed however added that the government will continue to seek ways to restore peace and reduce the tension in the country.
“While the government continues with these efforts to restore peace and security continues, I want to appeal to all of us to play our part in lowering the palpable tension in the polity as a result of the security challenges. The first step is to tone down the rhetoric,” he added.
Earlier, Naija News had reported that the Minister had declared that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the federal government is fully in charge of the nation’s security.
He added that no one should be fooled that bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals have overwhelmed the government’s ability to secure the nation.
This is as he boasted that the government and security agencies have the capacity to crush the bandits and other criminals causing insecurity in Nigeria.