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| Image: Defense minister, Badaru (3rd right) in group picture with Service Chiefs after the meeting held at the ministry in Abuja. |
By Ayyuka Haruna, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, held an operational briefing with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to address the national security situation.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Mati Ali, on Tuesday shortly after the meeting held at the minister's office in Abuja.
It could be recalled that Nigeria's insecurity situation remains dire, particularly in the northern region, where Boko Haram's activities continue to disrupt economic stability and food security.
Banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes have plagued states such as Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara, while some southern states like the South East have also experienced emerging security challenges.
The insecurity has had far-reaching consequences, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and a decline in economic activity.
According to the statement, the high-level meeting aimed to provide the Minister with a comprehensive appraisal of the prevailing security landscape across the country.
"The briefing focused on operational engagements, challenges, and strategic efforts of the Armed Forces in combating insecurity and restoring peace," it said.
Also, the statement reads that "the Minister was briefed on the current security situation in the North East, Plateau State, North West, North Central, and South East regions, which are most affected by insurgency, banditry, and communal unrest. The security situation in Borno and Plateau states was extensively discussed."
It however, stated further that "the discussions centered on boosting ongoing military operations, intelligence coordination, inter-agency collaboration, and resource allocation to achieve sustainable peace and national stability as viable strategies were developed to effectively counter security challenges and restore normalcy in affected areas."
Accordingly, Badaru's P.A statement revealed that the briefing gave the Minister a clearer picture of the operational realities on the ground, in addition to what he witnessed during his visits.
"The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration and resource allocation in achieving sustainable peace and national stability," it added.
The Minister stressed his firm commitment to working collaboratively with the Armed Forces to evolve effective strategies that will bring lasting solutions to Nigeria's security challenges.
He explained that "We are determined to support our gallant troops with the necessary tools and policies needed to win the fight against insecurity and ensure that every Nigerian lives in safety and dignity."
The defense minister who reaffirmed the unwavering support of the President for the Armed Forces therefore emphasized the need for a proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-engaged approach to national defence.
"This approach will enable the Armed Forces to protect lives and property effectively," he said in the statement.
However, The Minister emphasized that the Armed Forces would continue to work together to ensure the protection of lives and property.
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