The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to providing the necessary assistance to the country’s Armed Forces, enabling them to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its citizens. During his visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigerian Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, expressed his admiration for the Armed Forces’ achievements in combating insurgency within the nation. He praised the Armed Forces for their silent dedication to protecting the country.
Abubakar acknowledged the significant improvements made by the military in safeguarding oil production plants. He expressed confidence that these efforts would continue and praised the military’s commitment to restoring the country’s normal production level. According to Abubakar, the Armed Forces are diligently and fantastically protecting the oil pipelines.
The Minister further praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, noting that his commitment and dedication have been instrumental in the success achieved thus far. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Defence Chief, the Service Chiefs, and the Ministry in addressing security challenges and fostering the development of the Armed Forces.
Abubakar commended General Musa for prioritizing the training of Armed Forces personnel, which has resulted in an increased level of discipline. He also commended the Defence Chief for boosting the morale of troops through regular visits and inspirational programs in the operational areas. The Minister pledged continued support from the Ministry in these endeavors.
The Defence Minister assured General Musa that the President would address all the issues raised, including equipment, funding, accommodation for personnel, and special funds for medical purposes. He reiterated his trust in the President’s commitment to meeting the Armed Forces’ requirements.
In response, General Christopher Musa expressed appreciation for the Ministers’ enthusiasm in effectively managing the Armed Forces. He called for increased funding, training, capacity building, and improved welfare to enhance the morale of the military. The Defence Chief pledged the full support of the military to the present administration and urged stakeholders to ensure hitch-free elections.
General Musa emphasized the need for proper training, management, and full support to accomplish the mandate of securing Nigeria’s cultural identity. He highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as accommodation for personnel, recruitment, and modernization of the Armed Forces. The Defence Chief also mentioned the importance of enablers like cyber warfare and artificial intelligence in enhancing the capabilities of the military.
Regarding the Nigerian Army, Minister Abubakar assured Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, that the government would continue to provide the necessary support to tackle security challenges. The Minister emphasized the importance of addressing manpower shortages, accommodation issues, and providing equipment and combat enablers to ensure the success of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
In conclusion, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, called for support for the Nigerian Army, acknowledging their sacrifices in keeping the nation safe. He assured the Ministry’s support in strengthening the Army’s capacity to combat criminals. Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja expressed gratitude for the Ministers’ interest and contributions to the operations of the Nigerian Army.
The visit by the Ministers, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, included a closed-door session where they were briefed on the Nigerian Army’s operations and organizational structure in the field.
