By Augustine Ehikioya
For its great roles, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has lauded troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) showing sacrifice and selflessness in tackling security challenges bedeviling the country.
He gave the commendation after receiving a brief on the operational engagements of the NA on Tuesday 24 October, 2023, during his maiden familiarization visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The Minister was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
Appreciating the efforts of the Nigerian Army in fighting emerging security challenges in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), he pledged that the Federal Government “will do all within its powers to support the Nigerian Army, especially through interventions in provision of accommodation, manpower, logistics and combat enablers to enhance personnel’s morale and operational efficiency in mitigating security challenges across the country.”
Congratulating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for the successes so far attained, the Minister said that the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to support the NA to achieve its constitutional responsibilities.
He urged the troops not to relent in restoring the desired peace to the country.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle called on Nigerians to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the military and security agencies, who give their all in protecting the nation.
Matawalle also urged the public to support officers and men of the Armed Forces as they perform their statutory function of protecting the citizenry.
He added, that the NA approach to ending insecurity should be all-of-society approach, stressing that Non-Kinectic approach will facilitate holistic decisions, to enhance peace and tranquility in the country.
The Minister of State also advocated for intelligence sharing among security agencies in the country to enhance ongoing operations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his remarks expressed gratitude to the Honorable Minister and Minister of State for Defence for their support to the NA in its strive to combat insecurity.
He noted that the NA has thus far received visible interventions from the Federal Government, which he maintained, has been positively impactful on NA operations.
He pledged that the NA in synergy with sister services and other security agencies will not fail the nation in providing adequate security to attain peace in the country.
