The Nigerian Army has assured Nigerians that there will be a smooth transition from the incumbent President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to a new administration on May 29.
According to The PUNCH, this was disclosed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Musa Danmadami, on Thursday during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Contrary to claims made by the United States of America, the country is safe, according to the senior leadership of the armed forces.
The DMO took this action in response to reports of calls for an Interim National Government and threats from terrorist organizations hoping to prevent the transition.
Danmadami said: “As far as the internal security of the nation is concerned, the police is the lead agency. We are only providing assistance to civil authority and civil power.
“Just like the general elections came and is gone, and winners have been announced, the transition of power will also come and go peacefully. People are just being apprehensive and situated that are not there.”
He added, “You will recall that there was a United States travel advisory and up till now we are still waiting for the consequences. People have been predicting that the country is finished but nothing has happened up till now. As members of the armed forces, like I always tell you, we are not resting on our oars to ensure that peace and security are sustained in this country.
“I equally assure you also that the intelligence community are working round the clock just as the Armed Forces are working to ensure there is peace and tranquillity. And I can assure you that there are a lot of follow-up operations going on round the clock. Every day people are being arrested. People who are on the verge of committing crimes are being arrested, and people who are moving weapons from one point to the other to go and commit crimes are being arrested every day as reflected in today’s briefing.
“So both the intelligence community and members of the Armed Forces are working round the clock to make sure we nip these things in the bud and if it happens, we respond to it appropriately. So people should not be afraid that when the present administration hands over there will be calamity all over the place. I can assure you that we are ready to address whatever security challenge that comes up.
“So people should go about their normal duties and forget about the unnecessary apprehensions that people are causing to put Nigerians on their head. No cause for alarm, everything is under control.”