Abubakar, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Abubakar Kana, made this known while briefing newsmen on the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the return of Niger to MNJTF would no doubt help in securing the very extensive Nigeria border with Niger as well as contribute to the overall effectiveness of the counter-insurgency operations.

According to him, the troops of the MNJTF have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region through a series of daring operations.

“In one such operation conducted on June 15, several terrorists were neutralised and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents,” he said.

The minister said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had risen up to the challenges irrespective of the costs paid by the troops, adding that the military had continued to adopt new strategies and increased their tactics to take the battle to terrorists’ doorsteps.

“Owing to the onslaught on insurgents, the armed forces has degraded their capacity, necessitating the surrender of more than 100,000 insurgents and the elimination of their top commanders.

READ ALSO: FASU Games: LASU beat Ghana University, qualifies for semifinals

“Thanks to the renewed vigour, incidences of security breaches have been reduced by an estimated 65 per cent across the country and will continue until the nation achieves insignificant level of breaches on its security.

“In the same vein, oil production has received a big boost as the country’s production has doubled from the level obtainable last year.

“There is hope of achieving a two-million-barrel per day output before the end of the year 2024.

“It is gladdening to note that scores of insurgents have been surrendering and renouncing terrorism,” he said.

Abubakar said that the federal government through the military and other relevant agencies, would continue to de-radicalise and rehabilitate repentant insurgents to live peaceful and productive lives.

This, according to him, is employing the carrot and stick or kinetic and non-kinetic approach to the warfare.

He called for cooperation from the citizens who are rightly aggrieved by the past deeds of these repentant insurgents.

“We all have to realise and appreciate the need to quickly end this war to usher in an era of peace and mutual coexistence for the development of our beloved fatherland.

“The losses occasioned by this war on insurgency in terms of human, infrastructural and material resources incurred by our country are very huge, hence the need for an end to the ugly scenario,” he added.

Source: NAN

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This is contained in a statement by Dr Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the MoD in Abuja on Thursday.

The APCs were handed over to Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa by the PS.

In his remarks at the handing over event, Kana said that the step was geared towards bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities to effectively address emerging security challenges.

He also said that it was geared towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to him, the handing over marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.

“These Armored Personnel Carriers will provide our troops with enhanced protection and mobility, enabling them to carry out their duties more effectively in safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty,” he said.

Similarly in his remarks, the CDS underscored their strategic importance in enhancing the Armed Forces’ ability to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats.

“The acquisition of these Armored Personnel Carriers underscores our commitment to equipping our troops with the necessary resources to confront evolving security challenges.

“I commend the Ministry of Defence for its unwavering support and dedication to strengthening our national defense capabilities,” he said.

Musa also expressed gratitude for the acquisition of the APCs, noting that the handover ceremony signified a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defence capabilities and safeguard national security.

According to him, with the acquisition of the 20 Armored Personnel Carriers, the Nigerian Armed Forces were better equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern security landscape and uphold peace and stability across the nation.

Also present at the ceremony was Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Source: NAN

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The president noted that the change in tactics had become necessary because the countries in the region were battling a ‘mobile and elusive irregular force’ that disregarded established rules of warfare.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, the president pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region were not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.

The Nigerian leader, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

He reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.

”We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare.

”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear.”

READ ALSO: Plateau killings: Military commander relocates base to troubled area

The president also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.

While acknowledging the commitment of the immediate-past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the president pledged to ‘pick up the pace’, by providing the necessary support to the military.

”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.

”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace,” he said.

President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combatting Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.

”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic.

”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in contest.

”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression.

”In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice.

”Your role combating this grave evil is crucial. For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence.

”Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times,” the president told the 291 graduating officers.

Commending the graduates from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister Africa nations, the president underscored the importance of the college and its contributions to professionalism and defense of national interests.

Addressing the graduating students from Asia and Africa, the president said their presence in Nigeria was a testimony that national security was not solely achieved through muscle and might, but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.

”Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you.

”To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organizations.

”The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonize all aspects of government policy and programmes toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity,” he said.

The president also commended the college’s efforts in curricula improvement and facility upgrade, encouraging the graduates to stand brave and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities as defenders of the nation.

”I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself.  Your nation has invested much in your training.

”Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders. Our collective safety rests in your hands.

”Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College,” President Tinubu beseeched the graduands.

At the ceremony, many of the participants who distinguished themselves were awarded various prizes.

Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe got both the Chief of Defence Staff Award  (Department of Joint Studies) and Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prize.

Major A.A Bako was awarded for Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare) while Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu got the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).

Dr. K.O. Adams got the prize for the Commandant’s Award for Best Non-military Student.

Major P.J. Nartey from Ghana won the Commandant’s Award for Best International Student.

Present at the colourful occasion were National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; all the Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

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President Tinubu also used the opportunity of the summit to visit the Nigerian contingent stationed in the country under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force.

The 63rd Ordinary Session summit, which will open on Sunday will be the first international engagement of the president within the African continent since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

President Tinubu, whose plane touched down at the International Airport in Bissau at exactly 5.30 p.m. local time would be the centre of attraction at the summit.

READ ALSO: ECOWAS summit: Tinubu leaves for Guinea-Bissau Saturday

The 16 regional leaders are expected to address memoranda on pressing sub-regional issues including Report of the 50th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council, MSC, covering security challenges faced by the member countries, Report of the 90th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers on the financial situation of the body and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

Other matters slated for consideration by the leaders are the Report on the status of Transition in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, Memoranda on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme and the Report on Obstacles to Free Movement of Goods on the Abidjan- Lagos corridor.

Upon his arrival, President Tinubu visited the Nigerian Troops under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Force in Guinea-Bissau.

He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the soldiers and their Commander, General Al-hassan Grema, for their dedication and service to Nigeria and their host country, adding that Nigeria would continue to support democracy in West Africa and around the world.

“I am here to show solidarity with you. I want to assure you we are committed to support peace and democracy not only in West Africa but around the world.

“Nigeria is a giant that has made its mark in Sierra Leone and Liberia and other places. We count on your support for the defence of constitutional order. I heard your allowances have been paid up to date. Nothing else should make you angry. We will continue to build a virile force.

“We are proud of you; proud of your loyalty. Nigeria depends on you. There will be peace and progress in our country,” president said.

Brigadier General Grema expressed the appreciation of the troops to President Tinubu for being the first Commander-in-Chief in Nigeria’s history to visit his soldiers outside the shore of the country.

While in Guinea-Bissau, the Nigerian leader is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and have other engagements on the sidelines of the summit.

On the entourage of the president on the trip are National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Folashodun Shonubi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, and ECOWAS Permanent Representative, Ambassador Musa Nuhu.

Others on the entourage include former governors, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Senator Abu Ibrahim from Katsina State.

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