The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has urged for heightened collaboration between the Ministry and the Military Veterans’ Ministerial Welfare Committee to effectively address their needs.
This call was made during the Minister’s reception of a report on the Military Veterans’ Ministerial Welfare Committee from the Veterans at Ship House, Abuja.Badaru conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s gratitude to the Military for their sacrifices in securing Nigeria, emphasizing that robust support for them is paramount.
“We are deeply committed to the welfare of our Veterans. We will collaborate with you to resolve the challenges outlined in the document. Further discussions and innovative ideas will be explored. I assure you of our dedicated commitment. Let us maintain an ongoing dialogue for the improved welfare of our Veterans,” he affirmed.
Speaking on the way forward, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni said that there was no more intervention budget and that since the 2024 budget has been submitted to the National Assembly for approval, they needed to engage with National Assembly for a way out.”President’s directive is for everything to be budgeted. I encourage you to coordinate with the National Assembly to find a solution,” he advised the Committee.
The Chairman of the Military Veterans’ Ministerial Welfare Committee, Air Commodore Olufemi Oguntunyi (Rtd.), expressed gratitude to the Minister for authorizing the Committee’s formation.
He highlighted the Minister’s profound concern for veterans’ welfare and their report’s positive reception. “Submitting our challenges in a report is a first, and with this executive summary, we anticipate resolving issues without further agitation,” he assured the Minister.
The Jeffrey Tyrone Moore Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Abuja, demonstrated its commitment to mental health advocacy by extending its awareness campaign to secondary schools. Themed “Let Your Whisper Be Heard,” the initiative aimed to educate students about mental health, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
The foundation conducted its latest edition of the Mental Health Awareness Campaign on November 29, 2023.
Mary Moore, the Executive Director, delivered a key message to students, emphasizing that mental health is a universal human right, urging them to speak out and share their challenges.
During her address, Moore stressed the importance of self-belief and the transformative power of positive affirmations. She encouraged students to believe in themselves, speak kindly to themselves, and surround themselves with positive influences.
Dr. Imaobong Edemaise, the resource person, referenced the World Health Organization’s definition of mental health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity.” She detailed various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, substance disorder, developmental disorder, and eating disorder.
Dr. Edemaise highlighted factors affecting mental health, including biological elements, hormonal imbalances, environmental influences, inadequate healthcare, social factors, and financial stress. Students were advised to be vigilant about early warning signs such as anxiety, unhappiness, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, and feelings of isolation.
The event included essential components such as Mental Health Ambassadorial nominations, distribution of sanitary towels to girls, T-shirts to boys, writing materials, and a fun day with refreshments. Notably, counseling sessions were integrated as part of the comprehensive approach to addressing mental health concerns among students.
Miss Miracle Isaac of JSS2A and Master Dickson Kromlep of JSS3A emerged as “Young Mental Health Ambassadors” due to their insightful responses during the event. Board Director Maxwel Omar Gabari adorned them with official attire, symbolizing their role as advocates for mental health within Government Junior Secondary School Garki.
These newly appointed ambassadors will play a vital role in raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for mental health. The Jeffrey Tyrone Moore Foundation continues to make significant strides in advancing mental health awareness and promoting a proactive approach to mental well-being.
The ongoing military operations across the nation continues to decimate the fighting force of the insurgents, terrorist and violent extremist across the country. Accordingly, their fighting capacity is low and they are on the run.
This was stated in a press statement,made available by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, highlighting the reports of different military operations carried out across the country.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Chibok LGA and conducted fighting patrols in Kukawa, Bama and Gwoza LGAs in Borno State. Troops also conducted fighting patrols to Gulani LGAs of Yobe State where they arrested kidnappers and illegal miners. Troops discovered and detonated IEDs in Monguno, Mafa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State and neutralized suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Madagali in Adamawa State and Maiduguri Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 19 terrorists, arrested 52 and rescued 134 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made rifles, one locally made pistol, one dane gun, 58 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 7 live cartridges, 3 empty magazines, 3 vehicles, 8 mobile phones, 3 motorcycles, one bicycle and 2 camouflage magazine carrier jackets.Municipal Council area in Borno State.
Similarly Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided an arms fabricating factory and recovered arms in Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. Troops arrested suspected criminals Bassa and Zango Kataf of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected gunrunner in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 37 and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one fabricated rifle, one fabricated pistol, 7 unfinished fabricated rifles, 6 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one lister generator, fabricating tools, military kits, 2 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N69,600.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrol to Takum LGA of Taraba State. Additionally, troops responded to armed robbery activities and kidnap incident in Ukum and Katsina-Ala LGAs of Benue State. Furthermore, troops arrested cultists in Makurdi and raided suspected kidnappers hideouts in Kwande LGAs in Benue State. On 26 November 2023, the Air Component Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted air Interdiction at terrorist’s kingpin ALI KAWAJE’s enclave in Dagam Shiroro LGA of Niger State. The presence of terrorist hibernating in the area was confirmed. Subsequently the target was acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with the structures destroyed.
In same vein The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted offensive operations to Bungudu and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops arrested a gunrunner in Kaura Namoda and Ibi LGAs of Zamfara and Taraba States respectively. Troops also responded to banditry activities in Sumaila LGA of Kano State. Additionally,troops conducted raid operations in Shanga and Takai LGAs of Kebbi and Kano States respectively. Troops rescued kidnapped hostages and arrested suspected bandits in Faskari, Talata Marafa, Kankara and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Zurmin LGA of Zamfara State. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 20 terrorists and rescued 88 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 3 locally made rifles, 176 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 10 empty cases of 7.62mm special, 5 magazines, 4 vehicles, 10 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, 3 pairs of camouflage uniforms and the sum of N900,500.00 amongst others.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested a gunrunner in Kaduna LGA of Kaduna State, and arrested criminals in Abaji Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops equally raided criminals hideouts in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja and conducted offensive operations in Abaji, and Kuje Area Councils of the FCT Abuja.
troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 4 suspected terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one pistol, 3 rounds of 9mm, one locally made pistol, locally made hand grenades, 5 pairs of Strike Force bullet proofs, 6 mobile phone, dagger and and the sum of N193,300.00 amongst others.
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops arrested persons involved in oil theft in Bonny and Ikpoba LGAs of Rivers and Edo States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected armed robbers and foiled illegal bunkering activities in Oshimili South and Ukwa West of Delta and Abia States respectively. troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 186,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 435,600 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 19 boats, 35 storage tanks, 2 drums and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered include 118 cooking ovens, 2 pumping machine and 34 illegal refining sites, Troops of DELTA SAFE also apprehended 58 suspected oil thefts and other criminals elements amongst other. Additionally, troops recovered 2 locally fabricated pistols, one pump action gun, 34 live cartridges, 17 mobile phones and the sum of N29,850.
Troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected criminals in Anambra East in Anambra state , as well as Aba East and Ukwa West LGAs of Abia State. Troops also conducted fighting patrol to notorious terrorists camp in Okigwe LGA of Imo State. Troops also arrested a gunrunner in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.
Additionally, troops successfully repelled an attack by IPOB/ESN criminals on troops location in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State. Furthermore, troops conducted raid and rescued kidnapped hostages in Ishielu and Igbo Eze North LGAs of Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively.
Troops of Operation AWATSE in the SOUTH WEST foiled armed robbery attacks in Orelope and Olorunsogo LGAs of Oyo State. Troops arrested a gunrunner in Obafemi Owode LGA of Ogun.
The Armed forces reiterated that they are resolute in ridding the country of terrorist, their financiers, informants and other criminal elements and called for all stakeholders to join hands together to have a safer and crime free society.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, had expressed the readiness of the Federal Government to collaborate with religious and non-governmental organizations in combating insurgency and various criminal activities.
This was contained in a press release made available to newsmen by the Director of Press & PR, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
The Minister Represented by the Special Adviser (Technical), Major General Ahmed Tijani Jibril (rtd), made these remarks while meeting separately with delegations from the Messengers of Peace Foundation (MOP) and Jam’iyyah Ansarideen Altijaniyya at Ship House, Abuja.
The Messengers of Peace Foundation, a duly registered Non-governmental Organisation, aims to foster peaceful coexistence regardless of tribe, gender, or religion among all Nigerians.
Having been honored with the life Patron award by the Foundation, the Minister applauded their initiative, emphasizing that peace is indispensable for any nation, urging Nigerians to embrace it irrespective of ethnicity.
The Messengers of Peace Foundation (MOP) acknowledged the Minister’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace in Nigeria.
Dr Suleiman Adejoh, the Foundation’s leader, highlighted their goal of promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and pledged support for the Military using a non-ethnic approach in addressing insecurity.
“Through mediums like music, drama, and publications, we aim to advocate peace to counter violence and other criminal acts.
Additionally, the Minister, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical) Major-General Ahmed Tijani Jibril (rtd), engaged with Jam’iyyah Ansarideen Altijaniyya, promising close collaboration to foster peace nationwide.
The Minister stressed the vital role of religious organizations in gathering crucial information to combat criminals, citing the significance of their prayers in fighting insecurity within society.
Grateful for being nominated as Guest of Honour at the upcoming event themed “Prophetic Solutions, Questions, and Answers” on December 10th in Lagos, the Minister expressed his thanks to the organization.
Sayyidi Muhammad AlQasim Yahaya, the National Secretary of Jam’iyyah Ansarideen Altijaniyya, highlighted their organization’s commitment to peace, emphasizing the potential for collaboration with the Government to improve security challenges in the country.
“As an organization, we have a strong network and know the yearnings of the people. You can collaborate with us to gather information that can help in fighting insecurity and this task is a task for all,” he said.”
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, had emphasized that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility among all civil servants.
This statement was made during a two-day sensitization program on anti-corruption for Ministry of Defence staff at Ship House, Abuja.
Dr. Kana highlighted that the goal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to prevent corruption and enhance transparency for overall national development.
Speaking at the sensitization workshop, the Permanent Secretary, ably represented by Ms. Susan Ochida, Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, emphasized that the program, themed “Strategies in Combating Corruption in Work Places,” targets Directorate-level Officers and Officers on Salary Grade 14 and below to instill good governance practices and reduce corruption.
He stated, “The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) was established to combat corruption in the Civil Service, prompting the need for this sensitization within the Ministry.”
Emphasizing the necessity of attitudinal change and commitment for success at work, he expressed the aspiration for a corruption-free working environment.
In his vote of thanks, Garba Ibrahim Usman, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Ministry of Defence, stressed that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility involving every staff member of government establishments.
He urged everyone to collaborate with ACTU to achieve transparency and accountability, making the Ministry and the nation a better place.
Resource persons from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Adebayo Obaniyi (Acting Director, System Study and Review Department) and Commissioner Hassan Salihu, delivered lectures on the topics: “Strategies of Combating Public Sector Corruption” and “Strategies of Combating Corruption in Work Places,” respectively.
Mr. Adebayo suggested that greed is a major cause of corruption, leading to the acquisition of material wealth beyond one’s needs or income.
***Says HPV Vaccine Safe, Effective, Long-lasting Protection Against Cancers
The State Immunisation Officer of the Rivers State major Health Care Management Board, Dr. Inwon Joseph Urang, has stated that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of almost 95% of incidences of cervical cancer.
He disclosed this during a two-day media discussion on the care of small and sick newborns, the availability of oxygen, and the introduction of the human papillomavirus vaccine in Nigeria, which was arranged by UNICEF and the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. The discussion was intended for health correspondents.
He highlighted the global prevalence of HPV, affecting around 80% of sexually active individuals at some point in their lives.
Dr. Urang emphasised that most HPV infections are asymptomatic, with around 90% resolving within two years. Persistent infections, particularly with certain HPV strains such as 16 and 18, can, nevertheless, result in cervical cancer. This progression often displays symptoms only in the latter stages, with a 20-year average development duration.
Nigeria, with a population of 56.2 million women aged 15 and over, has severe cervical cancer risks. An estimated 12,075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, resulting in 7,968 deaths. Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among Nigerian women aged 15 to 44.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent malignancy in women worldwide, with around 604,000 new cases and 31,421,000 deaths per year. According to the, Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization, contributes significantly to these statistics.
Urang emphasized that long-lasting infection with specific HPV types is the primary cause of cervical cancer. He advocated for HPV vaccination as a safe and effective preventive measure, with over 135 million doses distributed globally since licensure.
Meanwhile, Margaret Adaba Soyemi, a Social and Behaviour Change Officer at UNICEF, urged journalists to avoid sensational headlines that could undermine efforts to combat cervical cancer.
She emphasized the importance of sharing accurate messages to dispel misconceptions about the vaccine, highlighting its safety, effectiveness, and accessibility.
Soyemi cautioned against amplifying rumors that could inadvertently lend credibility to misinformation.
Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of Defence has announced the Federal Government’s intention to partner with the Chinese Government to address insecurity by focusing on technology transfer, intelligence sharing, and military training.
He stated this during the courtesy visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria at Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Chinese companies in technology transfer and discussions on military equipment production.
Expressing enthusiasm for China’s interest in cooperating with Nigeria, he recounted successful discussions during a recent forum in China, emphasizing technology transfer, military training, and safeguarding the interests of Chinese corporations in Nigeria.
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s commitment to private sector involvement in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister cited the recent signing of the Defence Industry Act, fostering a level playing field for all investors.
Seeking Chinese investments in steel, power, and energy sectors, the Minister emphasized the importance of these investments for advancing Nigeria’s defence industry technology. He acknowledged Chinese companies’ potential and technology to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s growth.
The Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jian Chun, expressed China’s strategic interest in collaborating with Nigeria across military operations, economic cooperation, and international affairs. He underscored existing investments in security, education, and the economy, emphasizing Nigeria’s potential for new economic development.
Highlighting Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources capable of supporting Chinese corporations, the Ambassador expressed China’s readiness to establish military industries in Nigeria to bolster local production of military equipment.
He reiterated that Chinese companies’ involvement would not only enhance Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and related crimes but also contribute to the government’s employment generation drive.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has affirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s administration to revitalize and reposition Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The aim is to enable the company to produce military hardware, bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity.
This commitment was emphasized during a meeting at Ship House, Abuja, where the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Sumaila Abdul Akaba, were received.
Badaru highlighted the company’s history of local military hardware production and stressed the imperative of partnering with the Ministry of Steel Development. He noted that 80/90% of the materials required for military hardware production are steel-based.
Strengthening the company’s capacity for local military hardware production would significantly enhance the nation’s security amidst ongoing crises, Badaru asserted.
To actualize this revitalization, the Minister directed the establishment of a Technical Committee. Its mandate includes determining production specifics, required raw materials, revival costs, and potential funding sources. He urged members, including the Permanent Secretary, the Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, to deliver a comprehensive report within two weeks.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, expressed optimism about Ajaokuta Steel’s revival, citing past financial constraints causing production delays. He projected a revival within the first four years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration if initiatives were put in place.
Highlighting the company’s potential, Audu noted its 48 production units, including a dedicated unit for military hardware. He emphasized that collaboration with the Ministry of Defence could enhance the company’s capability to meet Nigeria’s military hardware needs.
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, emphasized the meeting’s goal: to chart a step-by-step approach to realizing Ajaokuta Steel’s revival within the next four years.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has expressed his appreciation to the United Nations Office on Drugs and crimes on their Counter terrorism efforts with the Nigeria military.
The Minister made the commendation when he received the Representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, in his office at Ship House, Abuja.
This was contained in an address made available to newsmen by Henshaw Ogubike, mnipr, the Director of Press and PR of the Ministry of Defence. The Minister emphasized that Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other criminal activities in Nigeria.
On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for a Monitoring program to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society.
The Minister expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in strengthening Nigeria’s Counterterrorism capacity to combat terrorism. In his address Mr. Stolpe pointed out that the UNODC is collaborating with Nigerian Armed Forces in area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security.
Mr. Stolpe further explained that the UNODC in partnership with Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State has successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files leading to 2,400 prisoners released.
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has asserted that the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has undertaken comprehensive efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities, aiming to restore normalcy across the nation, particularly in the North East geopolitical zone.
This statement was made during the recent book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: ‘Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower’ held in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and PR of the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
Highlighting the Ministry of Defence’s central role in safeguarding national security, Minister Badaru emphasized its pivotal contribution in coordinating the Armed Forces and implementing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
He also stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines military precision with socioeconomic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization.
Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia.
Minister Badaru applauded the book’s production, emphasizing its importance as a valuable resource for policymakers, military strategists, and scholars to gain insights into the evolving nature of terrorism in Nigeria and explore the critical role of airpower in the nation’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The Minister underscored the need for collaborative efforts among intergovernmental organizations, including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and others, to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel region, which has emerged as a hub for terrorist activities posing a significant threat to regional stability.”
The Special guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, represented by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, emphasized that the book launch was not merely an academic exercise but a call to action, serving as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to combat terrorism and safeguard the lives and freedoms of our fellow citizens.
The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zullum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency.
The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.
