ABUJA -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in the most troubled states in the northeast part of the country.

The affected states are Yobe, Adamawa, the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Borno, according to the president. Though the state executives are to go about their constitutional duties, the security agencies would however take charge of security situations in the affected states as the Chief of Defense Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

The Nigerian leader said it has become necessary for the government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy, following recent developments in the affected states.

”After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states,” the President said on Tuesday.

”Accordingly, the Chief of Defense Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists,” he added.

"This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons,” the Nigerian leader said.

President Goodluck Jonathan had a brisk meeting with the security chiefs over the wave of violence in the country, which has killed over hundreds of people in less than a month.

Only two days ago, about 40 people were reportedly killed in central north Benue State. Scores of people were also killed in Borno and Yobe States a few days ago as Boko Haram appears to be growing bolder and more powerful. In one attack, the sect laid waste to a local prison and police station, and also attacked a military facility, all in the same day.

Also on Monday, the Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the recent major assault on Baga and Bama, in Borno state, in which up to 200 people, including soldiers, policemen, prison warders and civilians, were massacred. 

Xinhua