By Ehi Ekhator
For security reasons, the security agencies have restricted the movement of some dignitaries. The affected personalities are former-President, Shehu Shagari, former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, former military President, Ibrahim Babangida and others.
Others included in the restriction are former governors, ministers, prominent emirs, former-ministers and some highly-placed Nigerians.
The listed dignitaries are to take advise from the security agencies and travel advisory before attempting to visit any part of the North where the insurgency has taken thousands of innocent lives.
Securities will be tightened where visits are inevitable to make sure such dignitaries are fully protected during visit.
The travel advisory has revealed plan by Boko Haram to attack Gen. Babangida and a former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari.
Others on the Boko Haram targeted list are Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, a former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Shehu of Borno and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Though it’s almost impossible considering the security lists guarding some of the people on the wanted list, but the security agencies have decided to take a proactive and pre-emptive measure to avoid any unexpected attack
The action of the securities is to avoid the politically exposed persons to be victims of the terrorists or be caught in a crossfire.
A source in the security who spoke in anonymity confidently said: “The restriction is in form of travel advisory. It is part of our new proactive steps to check these insurgents who can hit any target.
“The killing of Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa, the attacks on the Emir of Kano and Shehu of Borno and others have made this restriction necessary.
If they want to travel to any part of the Northeast, intelligence report will determine clearance by security agencies.
“And as for those whose visits are unavoidable, like governors, adequate security measures will be put in place for easier passage.”
As reported by The Nation, the motive is not to restrict or step on the fundamental human right on their freedom of movement, but the security agencies and travel advisory will be informed of their travel schedule in order to advise where the security challenges are high or where necessary advise should be given.
Another anonymous source in the security disclosed that the security agencies are trying to avoid the VIP being caught in the crossfire between insurgents and troop during their visit to the affected places.
He mentioned Senator Ali Ndume whose convoy was sighed by Air force jet fighters during air patrol, he was asked to stop for search until later confirmed he was the Senator before allowing him to continue. The soldiers almost mistook the convoy for that of the insurgents.
Another source revealed that security agencies had been protecting some of the listed dignitaries.
He said “In fact, some of these leaders apply for escorts whenever it is necessary to visit their states and they are usually given by security agencies”,
“Many former-governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives enjoy such services. Among them is a former governor in the Northeast who was once quizzed on alleged link with Boko Haram.
“This is to show you that both the military and security agencies are unbiased against any individual or person,” the source said, pleading not to be named because the matter is “sensitivity”.
Another source said: “I think your enquiries border on what I may call routine process but we are paying attention to the situation in the Northeast and movement of these VIPs.
“At least, we have increased exchange of movement between security detail of some of these personalities, including ex-Heads of State, with relevant agencies.” (0)
Security agencies restrict Buhari, Sultan of Sokoto, Babangida, others movement over Boko Haram
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