The Nigerian government has reiterated to providing all necessary support and combat enablers to the Armed Forces to enable them protect the nation’s territorial integrity and its citizens.
The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar stated this when he paid separate visits to the service chiefs at the Headquarters in Abuja.
During a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Mohammed Badaru commended the Armed Forces for the successes they have achieved in fighting insurgency in the country.
According to the Minister, the Chief of Defence Staff has been able to achieve great success in his leadership because of his commitment, dedicated and synergy with all services and other security agencies.
“We want to commend you for boosting the morale of the troops in operation areas. As you conduct regular visits and other inspirational programs to our forward fighting troops. The ministry will continue to support you in that regard,”.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, while appreciating the Ministers for his proper management of the Armed Forces for effective service delivery, called for more funding, training and capacity building, and improved welfare to boost the morale of the military.
The CDS also used the opportunity to appealed to stakeholders in the fourth coming off-season elections to make it hitch-free.
Army Operations Centre
The Minister of Defence assured the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja that the Nigerian government will not relent in providing what is needed for the military to enable them to tackle security challenges in the country.
The Defence Minister who stated this when he visited the Army Headquarters Operation Centre and received a briefing on the operations of the Nigerian Army across the theatres said that he had not listened to the challenges and solutions presented, there is a need to tackle such challenges head-on.
Among the challenges listed are shortage of manpower in certain areas, issues of accommodation for the personnel, equipment and combat enablers among other challenges that must be tackled to enable the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces in general to succeed in the fight against insurgency and other criminalities.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle in a remark called for support for the Nigerian Army as they sacrifice to keep the nation safe.
He assured them of the support of the Ministry of Defence in the area of provisions that would Strengthen their capacity and Capabilities to combat criminals.
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja who earlier briefed the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle said the interest and inputs of the Minister have positively impacted the operations of the Nigerian.
The ministers accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa were briefed in a closed-door session on the Nigerian Army’s mode of Operation and organisation in the field.
At Air Force
The Minister of Defence who also visited the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed the Ministry's confidence in the Nigerian Air Force's (NAF) capability to fulfil its constitutional obligations.
He expressed his unwavering confidence in the leadership of the NAF under Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar and other Services as they jointly work towards providing the enabling environment for all Nigerians to live freely without fear of intimidation.
According to the Minister, ‘The level of teamwork among the various Services is impressive and this is because we have a strong team at the top. I am also happy with your leadership and how you have guided the Nigerian Air Force towards achieving the level of successes recorded.’
Alhaji Badaru equally expressed his satisfaction with the substantial collaboration between the Ministry and the Services which has been instrumental to the notable achievements made in recent times. While appreciating the personnel of the NAF for their unwavering dedication and hardwork, the Minister assured that his Ministry is fully committed to providing all necessary support to enable the NAF and other Services rid the Nation of its security challenges.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala, lauded the transformative impact of the Minister’s leadership acumen and his efforts at steering the defence sector towards a new era of progress.
According to the CAS, ‘Your tenure has no doubt ushered in purposeful policies and programs designed to meet the Nation's defence and security objectives.’
He also briefed the Minister on some of the notable achievements recorded since he assumed office, noting that the achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Minister and his team.
Seizing the moment, the CAS conveyed his appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support and in meeting the needs of the Service. He then assured that the NAF, along with its dedicated personnel, is firmly committed to upholding democratic values and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria. To translate this commitment into action, the CAS noted that the NAF has intensified air operations to combat terrorists and other criminal elements, curbing their operational freedom and fostering favourable conditions for successful ground operations by Nigerian troops.
~2.png)
0 Comments