Nigeria president vows security on independence day

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan pledged to secure the country in a broadcast to the nation on Saturday as it marked 51 years of independence amid a wave of attacks blamed on Islamists. The speech aired as massive security was deployed in the capital Abuja in a bid to stop fresh attacks by Islamist sect Boko Haram, which claimed responsibility for an August 26 deadly bombing of UN headquarters here. "My administration will spare no effort in fighting crime, building peace, and securing our homeland against internal threats and infiltration by violent groups from outside our borders," Jonathan said. There has been mounting speculation over whether Boko Haram has formed links with outside extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda's north African branch. "We condemn all acts of violence and declare that such acts of mindless savagery shall not be allowed to define our country. We will not be deterred. Our resolve is strong," he said. He said he had put in place a new national security strategy, but did not provide details. The government in Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer has planned low-key events to mark 51 years of independence from Britain. Brief celebrations were to take place on the grounds of Jonathan's official residence, with diplomats and top government officials invited to attend. During last year's independence day events, twin car bombs went off near Eagle Square, the venue where Nigerian officials and foreign dignitaries had gathered, killing at least 12 people. The main militant group in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, MEND, claimed responsibility for that attack. A statement this week attributed to MEND threatened another attack at Eagle Square this year, but no events are planned for the venue. The same threat was sent out again on Saturday morning. Some 10,000 police were deployed to secure the capital city, while soldiers mounted checkpoints along the main roads. Vehicles entering main hotels were searched. Boko Haram has been blamed for scores of shootings and bomb blasts, mainly in the country's northeast. It claimed responsibility for the UN bombing in Abuja that killed at least 23 people, one of the deadliest targeting the world body.