[Guardian Ng] FROM the Defence Headquarters came an assurance Wednesday that relevant security agencies were "doing everything possible" to track down the kidnappers of Frenchies and release the victims.But the defence authorities said that contrary to their official policy of not responding to postings by terror groups, they advised the "hostage takers" to channel their demands through the telephone numbers of the joint task force "which they are conversant with."
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Defence front man, Col. Mohammed Yerima, confirmed that Nigeria had so far fully deployed the over 1,200 officers and men it pledged to the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).
Yerima also said that the last batch of troops was airlifted to Mali Wednesday by Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport Hercules.
He added that the C-130 aircraft provided by the British government would also airlift support equipment to the operation, "side by side our own (Nigerian) C-130."
Besides, the French involvement in flushing out the rebels from northern Mali may be leading to discussion on the future of AFISMA as the authorities of heads of state and government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) began yesterday in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire, their 42nd ordinary session.
In his welcome address, the president of the ECOWAS Commission Kadre Desire Ouedraogo told the gathering of leaders of all 15-member nations which constitute the regional group, that it was important now for them to start "thinking about the process of transforming AFISMA into a United Nations
...When talk is your weapon it's hard to make yourself heard over the artillery...
Peacekeeping Mission based on specific modalities."
Ouedraogo's submission was interpreted yesterday as one means of ensuring that in the future, a foreign power does not seize the initiative of restoring situations as was the case in Mali, to normality. He warned that "the political dimension of the crisis should not be overlooked."
Following his submission, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa Said Djinnit, gave a rousing speech which was intermittently interrupted by ovation especially when he charged West African leaders to "get involved now in Mali", noting that "The enemies are not waiting."
La Belle France intends to pull out of the Malian operation by the end of March 2013.