National Caucus of the All Progressive Congress (APC) met at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The meeting kicked off at exactly 8.30pm when President Muhammadu Buhariwalked in with his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.
Former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, in company with Bisi Akande walked in just as the caucus was about going into a closed session.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, was absent at the meeting.
Roll call of those at the meeting include Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other members of National Assembly leadership.
APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Speaker, Patricia Etteh and
former deputy speaker, Chinedum Nwuche.
Governors in attendance were that of Imo, Rochas Okorocha, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Sokoto-Aminu Tambuwal, Niger–Sani Bello, Nasarawa–Tanko Al-Makura, Bauchi-Mohammed Abubakar, Adamawa-Bindow Jibrilla, Plateau-Simon Lalong, Benue-Samuel Ortom, Katsina-Aminu Masari, Ogun -Ibikunle Amosun, and Oyo-Abiola Ajumobi, among others..
Meanwhile, shortly before commencement of the meeting, governors and ministers were seen congratulating the newly-appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Gida Mustapha.
They were seen struggling to take pictures with him, amidst congratulatory handshakes.
Boko Haram remnants which are virtually within the border areas of our neighboring countries would have to be properly identified and flushed out in a joint effort.
“This is a task that we must ensure is accomplished,” he said.
Buratai expressed optimism that the redeployment would complement efforts of security outfits including the Multinational Joint Task Force to flush out insurgents from the area.
He attributed present successes recorded in the North East and military exercises in other parts of the country to the support of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Minister of Defence, Rtd. Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, said the exercise was held in the Niger Delta and some states in the South West to access army commanders and train troops.
Dan-Ali said that Muhammadu Buhari was desirous to building formidable, well equipped and trained armed forces that citizens would be proud of.
“The exercise was inaugurated as part of the Nigerian Army plans to effectively dominate all hostile areas, coordinate and consolidate on the gains of Exercise Crocodile Smile I,” he said.
Dan-Ali commended the army for its commitment to training, professionalism and efficiency to tackle contemporary security challenges facing the nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise began on Oct. 7.