The Honourable Minister of Defence, H. E. Muhammed Badaru Abubabar, CON, toured some Military formation facilities in Kano State over the weekend.

Among the places visited included: the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Bukavo Baracks Kano, Nigeran Air force 455 Base Kano and Nigerian Navy Logistics Colleges, Dawakin tofa all in Kano State.

At 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of Brigade, Brigadier General M A Sadiq took the Minister round some facilities in the Brigade.

Thereafter, the Minister toured the Nigerian Air force 455 Base Kano where the Commander of the base Group Captain M. Suleimán briefed him about the general situation of the facilities in the base.

Furthermore, the Minister toured the Nigerian Navy Logistics Colleges, Dawakin tofa and the Commander of the Institution, Commodore JK Adedaji presented the academic activities of college as well as showing him the existing infrastructures.

Speaking on his assessment after the tour, the Minister said that the aim of the tour was to get a brief about what is going on at various Military Formations and their operations as well as to encourage Officers to do more to secure the nation from both internal and external security threat.

He therefore urged the Military personnel to be vigilant and proactive in blocking areas tagged as soft targets for the bandits and other terrorists pointing out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has accommodated all the necessary requirements of all cadres in the Military to ensure productivity in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda of supporting the Military in discharging their professional responsibilities.

…Says their efforts to secure the nation is heroic

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammad Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the sacrifice and patriotism of the Nigerian Armed Forces adding that their relentless efforts to secure the nation from banditry , insurgency and other criminal acts is heroic.

A statement by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director ( Information and Public Relations) of the ministry stated that the Minister made the commendation when he addressed the Officers and Men of the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna.

He charged them not to relent on their resolve to free Nigeria from insecurity. He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is fully aware of the sacrifice, patriotism and combat readiness of the gallant troops to deal decisively with security threats militating against the peace, unity and progress of the country.”

Commenting on the unfortunate incident that happened at Okuoma community in Delta State, the Minister condemned the act in its totality and sympathised with the bereaved families and relatives of the brave Soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State who paid the Supreme price while on peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State.

Also speaking on the recent Kuriga School Children Kidnapping in Kaduna State, he said that the Military and other security Agencies are closely coordinating efforts to see that the school children kidnapped are rescued.

Furthermore ,Badaru said that the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is working tirelessly to see that the nation is secured and at peace. “The efforts of Mr. President in the security of this great nation is yielding positive results and very soon Nigerians will see the benefits of these efforts,” he assured.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has disclosed that the 2024 budget of the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) will ensure effective operation in support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Minister stated this during the 34th meeting of the Board of Directors of the organization at Ship House.

Addressing the Board members, Dr. Matawalle said that the estimated budget has demonstrated once again President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’ s Renewed Hope Agenda in making welfare matters of the Nigerian Military a top priority. He therefore charged them to be prudent and effective in the management of the resources in fulfillment of DHML’s mandate.

He added that the Board’s endorsement for the payment of a severance allowance equivalent to 40% of the staff basic salary was another demonstration that the welfare of staff of the organization is of top priority as well.

The Minister said that the Defence Health Maintenance Limited is living up to expectation in providing healthcare services to the Veterans. He further promised that government would continue to prioritize provision of quality healthcare services to Veterans and citizens at large.

In attendance were members of the Board which included, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa OFR, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar,.

Others are , the Managing Director of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Surgeon Rear Admiral AB Afolayan (Rtd), Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Brigadier General MN Inuwa; and other senior officials from DHML.

The Minister has directed a technical committee to be set up to look into some of the challenges of the organization and on how best to address these challenges for effective operation.

…. Says perpetrators must be brought to book

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E Muhammed Badaru Abubabar and the Honourable Minister of state for Defence H.E Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has condemned in its totality the heinous attack on the Military personnel during a rescue mission of the 181 Amphibious Battalion in Okuama Community Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, saying that the perpetrators must be brought to book.

This was made available to newsmen by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director (Information and Public Relations) Ministry of Defence.

The incident which occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when our troops, responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, were ambushed.

According to the Honourable Ministers the ambush at Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Govement Area of Delta State, resulting in the tragic loss of the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion Lt Col AH Ali, 2 Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers, along with the unfortunate death of a civilian, is a matter of grave concern. “This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation. Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty”,” .

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, to actively investigate this incident to ensure that those responsible for this cowardly attack face the full force of the law.

The Ministers opined that : “We affirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security and well-being of all Nigerians and will not tolerate any threat to our nation’s sovereignty and stability. Additionally, we assure the Nigerian people that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice, and we remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and tranquillity across the nation in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Badaru and Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve in maintaining, securing the nation and the good people of Nigeria.

According to them : “Our unwavering support for the armed forces and their efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country is not negotiable. We will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving lasting peace and tranquillity in every region of our dear country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen soldiers, as well as with the entire nation mourning this irreparable loss. We stand united in grief with all well-meaning Nigerians and the men and women of our armed forces during this difficult time.

The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people, by the President.

For them , Nigerian security would be better under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch, saying that this incidence would not stop the Nigerian gallant Military from performing their constitutional duty of provision of security for all Nigerians.