President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed worry over the security challenges bewildering the country, saying he lives daily with the grief and worry for all the victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping.

Buhari said his administration was working hard to contain and address insecurity in the country, reiterating that the government would ensure that the 2023 general election is safe and secure for all Nigerians.

The President said this in a nationwide broadcast to commemorate Democracy Day on Sunday.

He, however, called on Nigerians to assist the government in addressing the security bedevilling the country, saying “it is not the job of government alone”.

President Buhari enjoined the citizens of the country to support and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies, adding that Nigerians can only have a safe country if the citizens are able to prevent crime and not after the crime has been committed.

The President said: “I know many of us are concerned with the rise in insecurity due to terrorist activities in parts of the country. As a government, we are working hard to contain and address these challenges. And ensure that the 2023 general elections are safe and secure for all Nigerians.

“To achieve this, however, we must all contribute. It is not the job of government alone. I ask all citizens to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies. We can only have a safe country if we are able to prevent crime not after the crime has been committed.

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“On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers.  I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.

“For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction.

“We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed.

“Our cyber security and surveillance systems are being upgraded to further enhance our ability to track and trace criminal elements. We are also recruiting and training new personnel across all our security and intelligence agencies to strengthen the country’s over-all security.

“I will conclude this Democracy Day speech, my last as President, by assuring you of my commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.

“I am also promising you a free, fair and transparent electoral process. And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with Government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

The Star