Factsheet: Federal Government’s Efforts to Ensure the Safe Return of the Dapchi Girls
Background:
On February 19, 2018, 110 girls were abducted by suspected Boko Haram militants from the Government Girls’ Technical School, Dapchi in Bursari Local Government of Yobe State.
By February 21, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari reacted to the abduction of the school girls, by directing the military and police to mobilize immediately and begin rescue efforts.
On February 22, 2018, a Federal Government delegation led by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, visited Dapchi, Yobe State to fully support and collaborate with the Yobe State Government, on rescue plans.
In response to the recent incident, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deployed air assets, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, to the Northeast in a renewed effort at locating the missing Dapchi girls.
On February 26, 2018, a Federal Government delegation, led by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, visited Yobe State for the second time to meet with state government stakeholders and get update on the search for the 110 missing girls.
At the meeting, the Minister announced that the Federal Government has directed all security agencies in Yobe State to deploy their personnel to schools in the state to ensure students and staffers’ safety. He also added that security agencies are working on many leads on the location of the girls.
On February 26, 2018, following the need for more in-dept search operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deployed additional air assets, to conduct day and night searches for the missing girls. By 6pm, the Nigerian Air Force had flown a total of 200 hours conducting searches for the missing girls.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar relocated to Yobe state on February 27, 2018, to personally superintend the search for the missing Dapchi girls.
On February 28, 2018, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Lt General (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, directed the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris and the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Abdullahi Mohammad Gana to relocate to the northeast and liaise with the theater commander of operation Lafiya Dole, the Governors of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states to ensure the deployment of their personnel to all schools in the liberated areas in the three states.
On March 2, 2018, the search for the missing girls was extended to the neigbouring countries. A statement to this effect was released by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lai Mohammed.
The Federal Goverment has officially released the names and details of the 110 missing girls to the general public as it continues its search efforts.
The Nigerian Air Force has urged the locals and anyone who might have useful information on the location of the girls to contact the NAF authorities using the following tip lines:
08035733438
08172843484
08058419128
The Federal Government urges everyone to remain calm as they step up efforts to locate the missing girls. A detailed press statement on Federal Government’s response is HERE
Press Release: Dapchi Update: FG Sets up Committee to Probe Abduction of Dapchi Girls
The Federal Government has set up a 12-member committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of 110 students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) in Dapchi, Yobe State, following the attack on the school by insurgents on 19 Feb. 2018.
The committee was convened by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), according to a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The Committee, which will be chaired by a military officer of the rank of Major General, comprises one senior Provost each from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force; representatives of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA); Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Department of State Services (DSS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); two representatives of the Yobe State Government and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The terms of reference of the Committee include ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls, confirming the presence, composition, scale and disposition of security emplaced in Dapchi as well as in GGSTC before the incident and suggesting measures that can lead to the location and rescue of the girls.
The panel, which is expected to submit its report by 15 March 2018, is also saddled with recommending measures to prevent future occurrence.
The Committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday (28Feb2018).
Segun Adeyemi
SA To Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
27 Feb. 2018
Press Release: President Buhari Re-appoints Segun Awolowo NEPC Chief Executive Officer
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Mr Olusegun Awolowo as Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
According to a letter signed by Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the appointment lasts for four years.
Mr Awolowo, a lawyer and scion of the Obafemi Awolowo family, was first appointed to the NEPC position in 2013.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity)
February 28, 2018
Press Release: FG Says 110 Dapchi Girls Unaccounted For, Steps Up Rescue Efforts
The Federal Government has confirmed that 110 students of the
Government Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, are so
far unaccounted for, after insurgents believed to be from a faction of
Boko Haram invaded their school on Monday (19 Feb. 2018).
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
announced the figure after a meeting between a Federal Government
Delegation and representatives of key stakeholders, including the
state government, the college, the parents, security agencies and
Bursari local government, where Dapchi is situated, in Damaturu on
Sunday.
He said, based on the briefings from the Principal of the College,
Hajia Adama Abdulkarim, and the state Commissioner for Education, Hon.
Mohammed Lami, 906 students – out of whom 110 have not been accounted
for – were in the school on the day of the attack.
Alhaji Mohammed also announced that the Federal Government has
directed the police and civil defence authorities in Yobe State to
immediately deploy their personnel to all the schools in the state in
order to ensure the security and safety of the students and their
staffers.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government has stepped up
efforts to rescue the girls and return them safely to their parents,
saying the security agencies are working on many leads regarding the
whereabouts of the girls.
”This is the second time in four days that a Federal Government
delegation would visit Yobe State since the unfortunate incident. This
is a measure of the seriousness with which we are addressing the
issue. The security forces are leaving no stone unturned in their
search for the girls.
”We are back here in Yobe as part of efforts to provide some succour
to the parents of the girls, to let them know that they are not alone
and also to reassure them that we will not rest until we have found
the girls. We will carry the parents along on the efforts we are
making,” he said.
For his part, the Minister of Interior said the delegation embarked on
the trip in order to get the facts right ”so that the approach to the
solution can be correct”.
”We must get back the girls and also ensure that this does not happen
again,” he said.
The Federal Government delegation, which comprised the Ministers of
Information and Culture as well as that of Interior, Lt.-Gen.
Abdulrahman Dambazau (retired), held an enlarged meeting that was
attended by Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State; members of the
state cabinet, the Principal and Vice Principal of the school,
representatives of the parents of the missing girls and security
agencies, among others.
Segun Adeyemi
SA To Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Damaturu, Yobe State
25 Feb. 2018
Press Release: President Buhari Greets Femi Okunnu on 85th Birthday
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, on his 85th birthday.
President Buhari felicitates with all the family, friends and professional colleagues of the elder statesman for the grace of living a long and fulfilled life, looking back at his foundational contributions to the infrastructural growth of the nation, and its developmental strides.
President Buhari affirms that Alhaji Okunnu was among the first administrators to set Nigeria on the path of physical growth by patriotically ensuring a plan and implementation of network of roads for the country in the 60’s, that have become the landmark routes after more than half of a century.
The President extols Okunnu for his nationalistic position and views at critical moments in the nation’s existence, especially the legendary role he played during the mediatory meetings after the Nigerian civil war and his contributions to structuring the nation’s legal architecture as the country continues to develop.
President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant the elder statesman longer life, more strength and wisdom to continue serving the nation he loves so much.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
February 21, 2018
Speech: President Buhari’s Address at the First Adamawa State Anti-Corruption Summit
I am delighted to be here today, and to be part of this memorable event.
It is very encouraging that a State Government on its own ventures into the subject matter of fighting Corruption deliberately, as well as transparently subjects its methods to the whole nation for detailed discussion.
You may recall that on 29th May 2015, when I stated that we are faced with enormous challenges in this Country, with insecurity and institutionalized pervasive corruption being key and that my confidence remained high that together we will tackle them head on. As I had predicted, today I am proud to note that we have not relented in our determination to fight corruption. We are fixing our problems together.
Even though under our system the Federal Government cannot directly interfere in the details of the operations of States, but to see that the gross corruption at the local level is being checked and transparently reported is a thing of satisfaction and joy for me.
We will try to ensure that, there is more responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.
I note with satisfaction the logical steps taken by Adamawa State Government in the last two and a half years to demonstrate that transparency, fiscal responsibility, accountability and timely delivery of strategic goods and services to develop the state and enhance the confidence of its people is a viable template to fighting corruption.
Team work, the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, the respect and compliance with fiscal and procurement laws, the institutional reforms to improved efficiency, the drive to achieve value for money, as demonstrated by this administration, are worthy of note.
I recommend to other states this model along with all other winning approaches to enhance the progress and development of our Nation.
The projects and progress I have seen in Yola along with the reports and presentations made here have given me encouragement on the future of the State. I hope this momentum will be sustained.
To the Government of Adamawa State, I say “well done and keep it up”. To the people of Adamawa State, I congratulate you all on supporting the Government and encourage you to continue to give your maximum support to the State Government in its drive for a much better future.
Thank you and may God bless our country.
Press Release: We Will Ensure Things Are Done Faithfully In This Government, Says VP Osinbajo
The Buhari administration, in line with its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, would continue to ensure the implementation of policies to drive socio-economic growth and prosperity, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received a delegation from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
“I think that no one is in doubt that we have very great policies and we will ensure that these things are implemented and are done as faithfully as possible,” he said.
The Vice President further said that the private sector in Nigeria will continue to play a prominent role in the economic programmes and initiatives of the Buhari administration.
He noted the significance of private sector investment in the economy, adding that collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector will further boost the country’s economic progress.
According to Prof. Osinbajo, “If you look at our economic programmes and several other initiatives, the private sector plays a prominent role in them, and that is how it should be. So there is no question that the roles the LCCI and private sector play are critical to the kind of development policies and plan that we have in this government.”
The Vice President commended the LCCI for its Presidential Policy Dialogues on the economy, which he noted has helped in shaping some initiatives and policies of government.
Prof. Osinbajo further said that the Buhari administration will continue to have robust engagements and work with the private sector and stakeholders in developing plans for implementation of several economic projects.
He also pointed out that, in conjunction with the private sector, the Federal Government is resolving the Apapa, Lagos traffic gridlock.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and LCCI President, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, commended the Buhari administration for its laudable economic initiatives which he said has made Nigeria a more investment friendly destination.
He said, “We appreciate the series of Executive Orders focused on promoting the ease of doing business in the country. These orders are impacting positively on the business environment and promoting an inclusive economy through the scaling up of the local content in government expenditure.”
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity
Office of the Vice President
20 February, 2018
Press Release: Abubakar Tureta was a Man of Remarkable Erudition and Character – President Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday paid tribute to late Islamic scholar, Abubakar Tureta, describing him as a man of remarkable erudition and character who spent his life promoting peaceful co-existence among people of different faiths.
In a condolence message to the family of the late scholar, President Buhari said the deceased, who lived an incredibly humble life, will be long remembered for “staying above controversy throughout his impressive life of scholarship, abhorring divisive statements.”
The President who described his death as “a major depletion of the forest of knowledge, a defoliation of a big branch on the tree of learning whose contributions to Islam are immeasurable,” urged other Islamic scholars to emulate his humility.
The President said the best tribute Tureta’s followers, fans and students owe him is to live by his good examples.
President Buhari prayed Allah to forgive his gentle soul, reward his virtuous deeds with paradise and comfort his family in their moment of grief.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President for Media & Publicity
February 19, 2018
Press Release: Be Prepared to Make Sacrifices for Nigeria, President Buhari Tells Elites
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on all citizens of the country, particularly the elites, to be prepared to make sacrifices as a foundation for national growth and development.
Speaking at a meeting Sunday in Daura with Katsina Senior Citizens, President Buhari said that in the life of a country, there are occasions when citizens must forgo personal pleasures or pay the ultimate price for the progress and unity of the nation.
‘‘The Nigeria of our time is in need of sacrifices by all citizens to free it from corruption, poverty, crime and underdevelopment,’’ the President told members of the Forum led by Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State.
While commending members of the Forum for complementing his administration’s efforts at national development, the President assured them that the security of lives, property and prosperity of all Nigerians will continue to receive priority attention.
In his remarks, Governor Masari said the delegation was in the President’s country home to condole with him on the death of two members of his extended family.
Masari also extended the Forum’s commiseration with the President over the recent auto-accident involving his son, Yusuf, and thanked God Almighty for his survival and subsequent discharge from the hospital.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk, the Galadima of Katsina and retired former President of Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir were among those who attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Maradun in Zamfara, Alhaji Garba Tambari, who also paid a condolence visit to the President pledged the unflinching support of the traditional institution to Federal government policies and programmes geared towards improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media &Publicity)
February 19, 2018
Press Release: President Buhari Felicitates With FRSC at 30; Lauds Reduction in Road Crashes
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with the management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the organisation celebrates 30 years of its establishment.
The President commends the vision of its founding fathers in February 1988 in response to the unacceptable level of road crashes in the country.
President Buhari notes with delight that after three decades of operations, the Corps reduced road crashes from an alarming 40,881 in 1976 to 5,993 in 2016 and 4,418 in 2017.
He further lauds the significant reduction in the emergency response time of the Corps from 50 to 15 minutes to accident scenes on the nation’s highways.
The President commends the FRSC’s deployment of international best practices and use of technology in its uniform licensing scheme, tracking, vehicle plate numbering and other services.
According to President Buhari, “the recent United Nation’s commendation of Nigeria’s road safety action plan, affirms the Federal Road Safety Corps’ leading role not only in West Africa but the entire African continent.”
He pledges the Federal Government’s continued support to the FRSC to enable the organisation achieve the goal of United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety of 50 per cent fatality reduction by 2020, thereby placing Nigerian roads among the league of 20 global safest roads by the target year.
Declaring that road safety is a shared responsibility, the President enjoins the FRSC to intensify its public education role, while urging other government and private organisations and the entire public to support the FRSC to further make road travels safer and more pleasurable.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
February 17, 2018