Senate Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Service Chiefs and Ministers on National Security

In response to the escalating state of insecurity across the nation, the Senate convened another closed-door executive session on Tuesday to receive a detailed security briefing from top military officials and federal ministers. The decision to transition into the executive session was prompted by a motion by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who sought to temporarily suspend regular proceedings to allow for the admission of invited guests. The guests granted access to the session comprised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the Ministers of Defence, Police Affairs, Interior, and Finance. Additionally, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were present. Senate President, Godswill Akpiabio, in his opening remarks, underscored the significance of involving ministers responsible for overseeing the financial allocations to security agencies. Akpabio emphasized the pivotal role of adequate funding in facilitating the procurement of essential equipment necessary for combating security threats. Of notable presence was the Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, whose insights were sought on avenues for financing critical security initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and properties. Akpiabio reiterated that the invitation extended to the ministers and security chiefs was a response to numerous petitions received from constituents, demonstrating the Senate’s commitment to addressing the concerns of citizens. The interactive security briefing was framed within the context of the Senate’s oversight mandate, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with key stakeholders to assess the current security landscape and explore legislative interventions. Senators seized the opportunity to raise pertinent security-related queries and collaborated with relevant agencies to devise effective strategies for mitigating the nation’s security challenges.

FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism -Defence Minister 

FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism -Defence Minister 

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country, especially in the North East geopolitical zone. He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic 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. He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts. The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said. The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens. The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum 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.

China Games: Defence Minister Commends Nigeria’s Medals-Winning Contingents

China Sailing Games: Defence Minister Commends Triumphant Nigerian Cadets

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has commended the triumphant Cadets for winning many medals and trophies in the Sailing games held in China. While commending the Cadets, Matawalle assured them of the Ministry’s support in future competition. The Minister made the commendation and assurance for support when he received the Commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) and the Cadets for their outstanding performance in the sailing competition held in China in his office,  in Ship House, Abuja. Matawalle expressed his excitement for the trophies the cadets won, saying that their performance has put Nigeria on the international stage.  He said: ” The trophy is not just for the Military but for the entire country.” The Minister urged the cadets to win more trophies and promised to participate in their next sporting activities to motivate Nigerian teams. Earlier, Maj Gen JO Ochai, the Commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy NDA said the trophies won by the Cadets will further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China explaining that the sailing competition was the first of its kind. According to him the Cadets made history when they emerged as the only international athletes who competed against their China counterparts at the maiden edition. The Commandant said that the Cadets won several medals at the week- long competition due to their physical fitness and special Military capabilities. The highlight of the event was the handing over of the trophies by the NDA Commandant to the Hon. Minister.