The federal government says security agencies are working round the clock to ensure citizens’ safety, while taking sustained steps to strengthen security nationwide.

The federal government said the efforts were aimed at protecting lives and property  and as well preventing further attacks.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement issued by his special assistant on media, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Idris said this during an interview with the British Broadcasting Commission (BBC’s) Victoria Uwonkunda, where he addressed intelligence operations following recent security concerns, including the attack in Maiduguri.

The interview was published via YouTube on Friday. 

He dismissed claims of failure by Nigeria’s security agencies, stating that more work was required to consolidate ongoing efforts.

“I don’t think they failed. I think that more work needs to be done. Nigerian security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that this does not happen again.”

The minister added that Maiduguri had witnessed significant improvements in peace and stability over time.

“The government is putting a lot of attention. The reform agenda of the President is aimed at ensuring that Nigerians are safe and that this does not happen again,” he said.

On global developments, particularly tensions in the Middle East and their potential impact on Nigeria, Mr Idris said Nigeria remained ready to support global stability, especially in the energy sector.

“Nigeria is ever ready to contribute to energy security around the world. Whatever Nigeria can do to ease tension, it will do. The world needs oil, and Nigeria is there,” he said.

Speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing engagements abroad, Idris described the visit as significant for strengthening Nigeria’s international relations.

“This visit underscores the historical relationship, the cultural ties, and the economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. We hope that we will deepen it further in the interest of both countries,” he said.

The minister further highlighted the positive impact of the administration’s reforms, noting that they are already improving Nigeria’s global standing.

 “With the reforms that President Bola Tinubu has instituted, we have seen a significant uplift in the economy.

“The invitation extended to the President reflects how positively these reforms are being viewed globally,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the federal government was committed to sustaining reforms, strengthening security, and ensuring that Nigerians could live and work in safety.

He added that the government was positioning Nigeria as a responsible and reliable global partner.

(NAN)