FG has reduced incidences of security breaches by 65% across country – Badaru
The minister of defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, Wednesday, says as part of efforts to end insurgency, the Nigerian Armed Forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has got the Republic of Niger back into the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
According to him this will no doubt help in securing our very extensive border with that country as well as contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Joint Task Force.
The minister stated this Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja to herald activities marking the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration is organized annually continues to honour to departed heroes and heroines who paid the supreme price for peace.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the minister said thanks to the renewed vigour, incidences of security breaches have been reduced by an estimated 65% across the country.
According to him, the Armed Forces will continue until the nation achieves insignificant level of breaches on its security.
He said 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,” he said.
He assured that the federal government will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency.
He noted that current administration is adopting a proactive approach to combating security challenges by harnessing our intelligence resources and having stronger partnerships with West African neighbours.
“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,” he said.
He said the ministry plan to establish seven skills acquisition centres, one in each geopolitical zone and Abuja.
According to him, “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,” he said.
Other activities lined up for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day include the Emblem launch by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 23rd October, 2024, Jumma’at Prayers on Friday, 10th January, 2025 at the National Mosque and Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday, 12th January, 2025.
The climax of the Celebration will be the Laying of Wreath by Mr. President and other dignitaries at the National Arcade.
