More than 3,000 policemen and 100 State Security Service (SSS) operatives have been deployed in Borno State to protect President Goodluck Jonathan, who is visiting the state and neighbouring Yobe between today and tomorrow.

The two states are the epicentre of Boko Haram’s activities. Thousands have been killed in the insurgency launched by the sect, which is pushing for sharia, the strict Islamic code, among others.

The security cover for the President’s first visit since the insurgency began, will be coordinated by the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad and Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar.

Following security advice on restriction of movement, the Borno State government has declared Friday a public holiday.

It was gathered that more than 100 SSS operatives from Gombe, Bauchi and other nearby states were deployed for the President’s visit.

The President will be accompanied by nine ministers. They are those in charge of Works, Education, Mines and Steel, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Environment, Housing and Urban Development. The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Sani Sidi, is also on the entourage.

“To ensure water-tight protection for the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and other security chiefs are expected to co-ordinate this.

“The President’s advance team is already in Maiduguri as part of the preparations for the visit”, a source said.

Another source in Borno State said: “We are expecting the President to pass the night in Maiduguri on Thursday after his visit to Yobe. The President will meet with stakeholders at a Town Hall Meeting on Friday in Maiduguri .

“As part of the visit to Borno, there will be tight screening of vehicles and movement will be restricted. As a matter of fact, the number of reporters covering the trip will be restricted.”

Since these security measures are likely to cause inconvenience for the people of Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima declared Friday a work-free day.

“This holiday will enable most residents of Maiduguri to stay at home and watch the state visit live on television.

“I can tell you that it is the tight security arrangement that has accounted for the public holiday,” he said.

Secretary to Yobe State Government Babagoni Machina said all was set for the visit.

Machina said: “We hope the visit will afford the President the opportunity to appreciate the development that has taken place in the state in the past few years.

“As you can see, all arrangements have been completed and we are ready to receive President Jonathan. We are also happy to have the president visiting our state and we pray that Allah will bring him safely and take him back safely as well.”

Commissioner of Police Sanusi Rufai said his men were leaving no stone unturned to ensure a hitch-free visit by the commander-in-chief.

He said more reinforcement of men had been brought to the state, adding that “all our men and officers have the operation order and plan which we have since put in place.”

He urged hoodlums not to attempt any breach of the peace during the visit.

Jonathan is expected to inaugurate some projects. Some of the projects include the 300 housing units along Gujba bye-pass, built by the state government, the dual carriage road and the ultra-modern library at the Yobe State University.

Commissioner for Housing Mohammed Ago Dala, said all the houses were built to standard awaiting inauguration.

He described the housing as second to none, adding that “people get houses in Yobe almost free because it is only in Yobe State that houses are subsidised by 65 per cent and in the event of death, all unpaid balances are waived by the government”.

Damaturu, the state capital, is wearing a new look. The Ministry of Environment is battling to keep the town clean.

Posters of President Jonathan and Governor Ibrahim Gaidam have taken over the major streets and electric poles.

The Ministry of Works, through direct labour, has filed the potholes on Damaturu roads.

Source- http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/defence-chief-ig-lead-security-for-jonathan/

Very secure!

ok we don hear, so jonathan self no wan die and people dey die everyday due to insecurity he no do anything to it. God dey watch u oo.

Make him beta us amoured car as somali president dey,cus if i hear say hm dn die...d next tin na to find way leave 9ja o cus dt wud b d end of 9jeria.3rd to comment sha

Before nko... na Presido dey enter town..

Johnnoah1st: .

reserving a space with dot.. so many retadeens here o

Funny a President.

Na Israelite war Jona won go fight?

GEJ, the Lord will guide you and you will return to Abuja safely.
Meanwhile, explain to them when these sufferings will end.

Becareful uncle Joe...Pls don't sleep there cus you're stil important to us but you will Pls always sleep with one eye open.. I don't trust north

all those police guys n.a. wash if bokoharam mean business them go do something. but safe journey Mr president

If anything happen to him Nigeria wil turn to flame. First to

Nonsense! So the life of the president is more important than that of the people.

Bros J, find beta Kevlar armor and Bomb-proof vest o. U know say na war zone u dey enter sha. Coded Syria.

No body wan die but we wan go heaven

fingard02k: Becareful uncle Joe...Pls don't sleep there cus you're stil important to us but you will Pls always sleep with one eyes open.. I don't trust north

pathetic!!!!

only one man

poorly trained and equipped police officers

How many days is he to spend there?

is he going there because the APC leaders went last week?

3000 policemen smmhh! Honestly he knew in his MIND that in-security has come to stay under his regime in our country.

We are one our own!
All man for himself
3,000 policemen!!!!
Very,very selfish!

chingyjant: Who do anyhow go see anyhow

Na today? Abegi close ya mouth.

With his ineptitude during the Jos crisis, should that boot licker still remain IGP?

When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I'm beginning to believe it.

U mean our president is not evn safe in his own country?No one is safe in dis country,notin is safe,notin is working!..God has been d bedrock of protection to Nigeria civilians

With 3000 cops for just Jonathan alone, how many police would do their duty in Borno state today?

Hope he doesn't fly cos rocket no knw president or security

samm_miey: U mean our president is not evn safe in his own country?No one is safe in dis country,notin is safe,notin is working!..God has been d bedrock of protection to Nigeria civilians

bros relax, even the pope as holy as he is moves in a bullet proof vehicle... so many haters everywhere, you dont want to be taken unawares

Correct, our Able C in C. That's the aura & packaging that goes with the Exalted position.

Haters deal with it. Let Boko try any nonsense, na RIP go be their fate.

President Jonathan is indeed taking a HUGE risk by visiting those states. It's somewhat disturbing that 3,000 policemen would be needed to protect the President; I wonder what the fate of regular citizens would be if a President has to have such drastic security apparatus.

CFCfan: President Jonathan is indeed taking a HUGE risk by visiting those states.

He's preparing the grounds ahead of 2015.