The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to tackling terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, while calling on Nigerians to support ongoing operations.
Speaking after a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, and Service Chiefs, the Minister highlighted efforts to review operational strategies across multiple theatres and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing insecurity.
Gen. Musa said casualties have occurred in the line of duty, the Armed Forces continue to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including eliminating key commanders and destroying their assets. He warned that individuals aiding criminal groups with information or logistics would be treated as accomplices.
The Minister also urged media houses to report responsibly and avoid disseminating terrorist propaganda that could demoralise troops or give undue publicity to criminal elements. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, and Service Chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Udieandeye, were present during the briefing.
Gen. Musa also received the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, SAN, at the Ministry headquarters in Ship House, Abuja, to discuss enhanced collaboration between MDAs in support of national security.
The Minister stressed the importance of indigenous technological development, self-financed research, and sustainable energy solutions, noting that many military barracks face electricity challenges that impact operational efficiency and personnel welfare.
Dr Udeh, accompanied by the Director-Generals of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, affirmed their readiness to support the Ministry of Defence.
Each agency outlined technological capabilities and research products that could be applied to defence operations. Both Ministers agreed that such partnerships would translate Nigeria’s scientific potential into practical solutions for national development and security.
Gen. Musa emphasised that stronger synergy among MDAs and integration of scientific and technological support into defence planning would enhance operational effectiveness and the welfare of personnel, providing a sustainable path to national stability.