By Joy Odor
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has affirmed that in consolidating efforts to end insurgency, the Nigerian Armed Forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has recently got the Republic of Niger back into the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
Badaru who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana gave the affirmation in Abuja on Wednesday in his address during a press conference as part of activities to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations (AFRDC).
The Defence Minister informed that the efforts would no doubt help in securing the very extensive border with Republic of Niger as well as contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Joint Task Force.
According to him, thanks to the renewed vigour, incidences of security breaches have been reduced by an estimated 65% across the country and the Armed Forces would continue until the nation achieved insignificant level of breaches on its security.
Badaru maintained that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a very important event celebrated globally and observed in commemoration of the end of the World War I which ended on 11th November, 1918.
“While other Commonwealth member countries observe this event on 11th November yearly, Nigeria observes it on 15th January annually to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
“Our dear nation, Nigeria, has been bedeviled by serious internal security concerns for over a decade.
“These challenges have stretched the resources of our nation and the Armed Forces to restore normalcy.
“The war on insurgency has led the pack of security challenges threatening the corporate existence of our dear nation.
“As the nation was beginning to heave a sigh of relief from insurgency in the North East, new frontiers of terror emerged in the North West and North Central in the form of banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping.
“The earlier classification of this brand of terror as banditry did not help the cause of its eradication.
“However, as far as we are concerned, today the bandits are terrorists/insurgents.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria has risen up to these challenges irrespective of the costs paid by our troops. For this reason, we now have a situation that is under control.
“When bandits and criminals formulate new techniques and establish new bases when dislodged, the Armed Forces have continued to adopt new strategies and switch up their tactics to take the battle to their doorsteps.
“The troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (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 15th June, 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents.
“Also, the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
“The Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on 17th June, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists.
“These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the North West and North East have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents.
“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.
“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 2-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.
“The Federal Government through the Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence and relevant Agencies will continue to de-radicalize and rehabilitate repentant insurgents to live peaceful and productive lives.
“This is employing the carrot and stick or kinetic and non-kinetic approach to the warfare.
“We therefore continue to call for co- operation from our citizens who are rightly aggrieved by the past deeds of these repentant insurgents.
“We all have to realize 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” Badaru explained.
The Minister therefore assured they will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of the troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency even as they look forward to adopting a proactive approach to combating the security challenges by harnessing its intelligence resources and having stronger partnerships with the West African neighbours.
He maintained that the Federal Government will also continue to equip the Armed Forces with combat capabilities, training and equipment with a view to reducing to the barest minimum, causalities due to operations.
“Indeed the untapped potential of our domestic defence industry is quite immense, and the Ministry is dedicated to revitalizing this sector to meet the needs of our Armed Forces.
“In a landmark achievement, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, signed the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Act into law on 23rd November, 2023.
“The revised legislation empowers DICON to produce, stock, and dispose of ammunition, consequently establishing a reliable supply chain for our military.
“The DICON Act establishes the Defence Industry Technology, Research and Development Institute; and will leverage multidisciplinary research to drive the commercialization and evolution of new military technologies, strategically positioning Nigeria as a leader in defence innovation in the process.
“The revitalization of DICON represents more than just an enhancement of our defence capabilities; it is a statement of national pride and self-sufficiency.
“This initiative will create jobs for our youth, advance Nigeria’s technological and military stature, and position us as a key player in the global defence market.
“Our goal is to develop a robust domestic industry capable of meeting Nigeria’s security needs and, in the future, serve international markets.
“I would therefore like to call on corporate Bodies and individuals to invest in DICON for the production of defence equipment and hardware.
“Furthermore, the Ministry has witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DICON, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
“This agreement paves the way for the establishment of a munitions production facility, ensuring that our troops are equipped with the tools they need to defend our nation.
“By producing these munitions domestically, we are not only enhancing our security but also saving hundreds of millions of Dollars that would otherwise be spent on imports, thereby strengthening the Naira and boosting our economy.
“It is gladdening to note that the opportunity created by the DICON Act is being explored by many hardworking Nigerian entrepreneurs and their foreign partners.
“As a result, there has been the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between these entities and DICON towards the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex.
“This will in turn lead to more dependence on our local companies for defence equipment supplies and a boost in job creation and employment generation.
“The ultimate goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in the defence sector for Nigeria as well as contribute to the global defence industry.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration which is organized annually continues to serve as honour to our departed heroes and heroines who paid the supreme price for peace.
“It also serves to appreciate the surviving veterans, serving personnel of our Armed Forces as well as raise funds to support the widows and dependants of fallen heroes/heroines.
“This Briefing heralds the event. Other activities lined up for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration are as follows:
a. THE NIGERIAN LEGION HUMANITARIAN DAY: This will hold on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024 at the Nigerian Legion House, Area 3 Garki, Abuja, and the Nigerian Legion Offices in all States of the Federation.
The Legionnaires will engage in community service as well as empower widows and orphans of fallen heroes/heroines.
b. EMBLEM LAUNCH BY MR PRESIDENT: The launch of the Emblem for 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration will be performed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on Wednesday, 23rd October, 2024 at the Council Chambers, State House. Abuja.
C. RELIGIOUS SERVICES: The Jumma’at Prayers will hold on Friday, 10th January, 2025 at the National Mosque.
This will be followed by Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday, 12th January, 2025.
These events will take place simultaneously in all States of the Federation.
All are enjoined to attend and pray for the departed, incapacitated veterans, service personnel, families of the fallen heroes/heroines and the nation.
d. WREATH LAYING CEREMONY:
The climax of the Celebration will be the Laying of Wreath by Mr. President and other dignitaries at the National Arcade, Abuja on Wednesday, 15th January, 2025.
The Governors will also lay wreaths simultaneously in their respective States.
Permit me to use this opportunity to relay the followings, which are some of the activities embarked upon by the Ministry for the welfare and honour of veterans:
a. Veterans’ Skills Acquisition Centres and Agricultural Development Support Programmes: Last year I stated that
my predecessor announced a plan to establish seven Skills Acquisition Centres, one in each Geopolitical Zone and Abuja.
This commenced with the construction of a Centre at Takum, Taraba State set to be operational soon.
I am happy to inform you that provision for more Skills Acquisition Centres in different Geopolitical Zones is being worked-out for inclusion in the 2025 Budget of the Ministry.
These Centres when operational would enable our veterans, widows and dependants of fallen heroes acquire skills that would support their families and consequently take many of those that are unemployed off the streets.
This will be replicated shortly in other zones of the country. In addition, it has been proposed that Tractors and other farm implements be provided to revive and expand the capacity of the Nigerian Legion Farms across the country.
b Pension Administration:
The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has continued to deliver on regular payment of pensions.
Verification Exercises are carried out periodically by the Board to ensure that only eligible pensioners are on the payroll.
Other measures have also been introduced to cut out wastages and sharp practices.
As one of the measures to curb leakages, Next- of-Kins (NOKs) of pensioners are made to sign undertakings to communicate the death of the pensioner or indemnify the Board for any payments made afterwards.
The Federal Government is fully committed to implementing increments arising from reviews of pensions and improving the welfare of veterans.
The MPB and the Ministry of Defence have continued to interface with the veterans to ensure that communication gaps are reduced to the barest minimum to avoid restiveness.
C. Payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA): The issue of payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to veterans who were excluded by the commencement date of the Scheme has been resolved. Recall that this led to an unfortunate demonstration by our esteemed veterans due largely to communication gap.
The Government of President Tinubu has kept faith with the payment schedule commenced by the immediate past administration. Efforts are on by the Ministry to address some concerns raised by the veterans with regards to the SDA.
d. Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill: As a result of continuous interface between the Ministry and Veterans, I set up a committee to look into the Nigerian Legion Act with a view to amending it.
Accordingly, the Committee which was headed by the Permanent Secretary was comprised of representatives of the Veteran Associations and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.
Having successfully completed its assignment, the Proposed Bill has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for vetting and transmission to the National Assembly.
It is hoped that this Bill when passed will not only change the name ‘Nigerian Legion’ to Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill, but will also make provisions for the improvement in the welfare and well-being of our esteemed veterans.
e. The National War Museum: The National War Museum, a historic national treasure of our dear country Nigeria has overtime fallen under a state of disrepair.
In line with our determination to preserve our rich military history and promote peace and unity in Nigeria, the Ministry will be proposing the rehabilitation and upgrade of the National War Museum at Umuahia.
“This no doubt will serve as a showcase of our military heritage as well as a constant reminder of the need for preservation of our unity as a nation.
“Distinguished members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, while appreciating your esteemed presence at this event, I implore you to provide extensive coverage and reportage to the activities marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.
“It would be highly appreciated if you take deliberate steps to air programmes and activities that increase the awareness of the sacrifices of our veterans and Armed Forces for peace and security” the Minister ended.
