Jonathan, Security Chiefs Meet Over Maiduguri Airport Attack

By The Rainbow

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday held an emergency security meeting following a daring attack on the Maiduguri International Airport by suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The Islamic terror group in the early hours of Monday attacked an airforce base and I nternational airport at the out sketches of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State.

Scores were left dead and many prporty destroyed as troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army successfully repelled the attack and inflicted serious casualty on the terrorists, leaving several persons dead and many injured.

Present at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Azubike Ihejirika and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Alex Badeh.

There was no official statement at the end of the meeting but the Chief of Defence Staff told reporters that the situation was under control.

However, a statement issued by the spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Col Muhammad Dole, said the terrorists attempted to gain access to military formations in the metropolis but such effort was thwarted by the military.

The statement added that the military had brought  the affected areas, Njamtilo and airport areas, effectvely under control.

The military troops supported by the Nigerian Air force pursued the terrorist toward the Maiduguri-Benisheik road.

After consultation with the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army,

The Borno State government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri metropolitan and its environs from 11:00am, local time, on Monday.

A spokesman to the State government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, stressed that the decision was necessitated by the attack.

The government pleaded with citizens to remain calm and be law abiding until the situation was put under control, stressing that the security agencies will do everything possible to ensure safety of lives and property of the citizenry.

'Only vehicles on emergency calls and essential services are allowed to move during the period as the curfew will be lifted as soon as the situation improves' Jidda added.