The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle MON, together with Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, led a high-level delegation to extend the Federal Government’s condolences to the victims of the recent accidental bombing in Agabi Local Government, Kaduna State, carried out by the Nigerian Army.

Condemning the tragic incident, the Minister emphasized that despite this setback, the fight against insurgency and terrorism remains unwavering.

“We will not waver in our determination to defeat these criminals. Our resolve to combat banditry and other criminal acts in our country will persist until we achieve success,” he affirmed.

He said that Mr. President has directed that he lead a high level delegation to pay condolence visit to the good people and government of Kaduna State over the sad event as well as the concerned families of the victims both those that died

Accordingly, the Minister visited the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna where the injured victims were receiving treatment and the Government House to express Federal Governments’ condolence to the goo.

Accompanying the Honourable Minister were top Military leaders, including Gen Christopher G. Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, among others.

Matawalle assured the State Government of the Federal Government’s comprehensive support for the victims’ families and announced the establishment of a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident’s cause and prevent future occurrences.

In response, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mal Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, expressed profound sympathies to the affected families and pledged steadfast support to them. She highlighted the need for Federal Government’s assistance in caring for the victims, acknowledging the State Government’s limitations in meeting their needs alone.

Despite the tragic incident, the State Government has maintained peace, engaging clerics to facilitate dialogue with affected communities and ease the tension caused by this unfortunate event,” she said.

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 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.

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.