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  • NOA, DHQ partner on values reorientation

    NOA, DHQ partner on values reorientation

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Defence Headquarters have agreed to partner in the national value reorientation of citizens including the military.

    This was the outcome of a meeting between the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa held at the DHQ.

    Issa-Onilu in a statement by the agency explained its mandates and highlighted its programmes aimed at modernizing its structures by establishing twenty-first-century platforms accessible to all arms of government and agencies.

    The statement signed by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Media, NOA also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the National Value Charter (NVC) catalyzes substantial societal change.

    The statement reads in part: “Recognizing the pivotal role of the military in shaping the nation’s history, Mallam Issa Onilu emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating institutions that instill in citizens a clear understanding of Nigerian values.

    “He reiterated NOA’s commitment to ensuring that the National Value Charter (NVC) serves as more than rhetoric, but rather as a catalyst for substantial societal change.

    “Acknowledging that youths constitute over 70% of Nigeria’s population, the Director General advocated for youth-centric policies tailored to address their needs.

    Read Also: NOA chief recommends social orientation for youth to overcome insecurity

    “Among the programmes the Agency is embarking on are: Implementation of nationalism studies from primary to tertiary levels. Launching a 37,000 Citizens’ Brigade aimed at fostering model citizenship. Incorporating local content in cartoon characters to instil Nigerian values in children aged 1-12, promoting respect for elders, one another, and the military.

    “Additionally, the DG briefed Gen. CG Musa on upcoming training sessions for first-class and second-class kings across Nigeria in peace and conflict resolution.

    “In response, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa assured NOA of the Nigeria Defense’s full support, emphasizing the long-awaited nature of the agency’s programmes. He advocated for the armed forces’ involvement in the planning committee, citing their historical wealth of knowledge.

    “The Chief of Defense Staff stressed the significance of national pride, urging positive narratives about Nigeria in the creative industry and the incorporation of Nigerian symbolic monuments into souvenirs.

    “He emphasized that achieving peace requires a multifaceted approach, with the military being just one aspect.”

  • Good governance antidote to end terrorism, insurgency, says DHQ

    Good governance antidote to end terrorism, insurgency, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has reiterated the necessity for the government to intensify efforts in creating conditions that discourage individuals from being willing to participate in terrorism.

    It said that good government and solving the problem of unemployment were among the factors that could make terrorism and insurgency unattractive to the youths.

    The military high command said through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing at the DHQ, Abuja, on Thursday, February 22.

    Buba said the military is wasting no time and sparing any effort to ensure the security and safety of citizens across the country.

    He said: “We have eliminated several terrorists, their leaders and commanders. Troops are continually going after the terrorists and dislodging them from their hideouts. In spite of all these, it would appear that there is more to be done to win this war outside the use of military pressure.

    “Accordingly, we must now win this war by changing the conditions that make the insurgents willing to fight. We must also win the war by increasing support for the government at various levels through heart and mind projects indicative of good governance.

    Giving an update on troops in the past week, the defence spokesperson said troops neutralized 286 and arrested 244 of them. Troops also arrested 83 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 122 kidnap victims.

    Read Also: Surrender or be killed, no third option – DHQ tells terrorists

    He said troops also recovered 587 assorted weapons and 7,943 assorted ammunition.

    On operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has been plagued with incidences of kidnapping in recent times, the defence spokesperson said troops arrested 11 violent-extremist were in Abuja Municipal Area Council within the week.

    Speaking on troops of Operation Delta Safe, a military operation against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta area, Buba said troops recovered 2,947,770 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined diesel, 6,125 litres of kerosene and 6,790 litres of petrol.

    He said troops also discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks. 

    Other items recovered, according to him, include 149 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 11 vehicles, eight motorcycles and 74 illegal refining sites.

    He said although things are difficult due to the economic situation, “citizens are urged to realize that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”

    He added: “As a people, we are renowned for our pride in being tough and resilient. There is no better time to manifest these qualities in us in overcoming the pains of today, in order for the gains of tomorrow. We dare say that, this too shall pass.

    “The time is ripe for patriotic and well-meaning citizens to contribute alternative ideas on ways to make a difference in turning the situation around. Collaborative effort is essential at this time. Simply put, we are one people, one nation and one destiny.”

  • Surrender or be killed, no third option – DHQ tells terrorists

    Surrender or be killed, no third option – DHQ tells terrorists

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has advised terrorists, bandits and kidnappers to surrender or be killed, warning that there is no third option.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces.

    Buba said that several terrorists and their leaders were killed or badly injured owing to offensive actions by land and air forces in various theatres of operation across the country.

    He said the troops had in the month of January, neutralised 266 terrorists, arrested 463, and rescued 116 kidnapped hostages.

    The defence spokesman added that a total of 447 assorted weapons and 6,697 ammunitions, comprising 237 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 18 pump action guns, 55 Dane guns, and 6,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, were recovered.

    Other items recovered, according to him, are 421 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 9mm and 506 live cartridges.

    In the South-South, Buba said the troops, recovered 1,832,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 523,799 litres of illegally refined AGO, 16,716 litres of DPK and 5,200 litres of PMS among others.

    Read Also: Plateau crisis: DHQ threatens legal action against HURIWA

    According to him, the troops have denied the oil thieves of an estimated N2.8 billion.

    “I urge all segments of society to take example from our gallant troops in the frontlines fighting to achieve the goal of liquidating terrorists and insurgents across the country in order to restore peace and security.

    “These men and women are from all the nooks and cranny of our country and act shoulder to shoulder as a united force to achieve a common cause of destroying camps of violence in the country,’’ he said.

    (NAN)

  • We must be patriotic to win war against terrorists, bandits, says DHQ

    We must be patriotic to win war against terrorists, bandits, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has stated that for the country to win the war against terrorists and other adversaries, citizens must be patriotic to their country.

    It said the fight against terrorism and insurgency requires all hands to be on deck.

    The military high command spoke through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing on Thursday, February 8.

    Buba said the military would continue to fulfill its mission of hunting and destroying terrorists and their cohorts across the country in the most professional manner. 

    He said: “Needless to mention, these terrorists are left with only two choices, which is to either be killed, die or surrender.

     “Our goal is to restore peace and security for citizens to have an enjoyable life. We will continue to do that in spite of the current circumstances. 

    “Troops will continue fighting with great effort, determination, and sacrifice to bring about great results.

    “Because our security challenges are mostly self-inflicted. It is pertinent to urge citizens to rise to the challenge. It is time to stop the bleeding in order for healing to commence.

    “We urge all segments of society to take examples from our gallant troops in the frontlines fighting to achieve the goal of liquidating terrorists and insurgents across the country in order to restore peace and security.

    Read Also: Plateau crisis: DHQ threatens legal action against HURIWA

    “These men and women, are from all the nooks and crannies of our country, and act shoulder to shoulder as a united force to achieve a common cause of destroying camps of violence in the country.”

    Reacting to a recent video of a soldier complaining of being paid N50,000 salary, and couldn’t visit his family after he obtained a pass, the Defence high command said: “The military is governed by its laws, regulations and guidelines, any personnel who contravene them will be sanctioned accordingly.”

    Giving an update on successes recorded last month across the country, the military high command said troops neutralized 266 terrorists, arrested 463 violent extremists, and rescued 116 kidnap victims.

    Buba said troops recovered 447 assorted weapons and 6,697 assorted ammunition. He said troops also denied oil thieves over N2 billion worth of crude oil.

    The Defence spokesperson said from February 1 to date troops, neutralised 105 terrorists and arrested 140 of them.

    He said troops also arrested 26 oil thieves and rescued 86 kidnapped hostages, saying that troops recovered 208 assorted weapons and 5,332 assorted ammunition.

    Buba said: “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 19 boats, 21 storage tanks and 8 vehicles. Other items recovered include 35 cooking ovens, three pump machines, and 18 illegal refining sites.

    “Troops recovered 157,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 23,750 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,050 litres of kerosene.”

  • Plateau crisis: DHQ threatens legal action against HURIWA

    Plateau crisis: DHQ threatens legal action against HURIWA

    The Defence Headquarters has said it would not hesitate to take legal action against Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) if it continued to mislead the people over the crisis in Plateau State.

    It lamented that the organisation had continued to spread falsehoods in order to create tension in the country.

    The military high command said this in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, yesterday.

    The statement followed HURIWA’s faulting of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa’s approach to addressing the ongoing violence in Plateau State.

    The group issued a statement on Sunday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, where it expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence, particularly the Christmas Eve attacks on over 20 communities in the Barkin-Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos areas of Plateau State.

    It criticized the CDS’ response, especially the deployment of a Special Fact-Finding Team led by retired Maj.-Gen. Augustine Agundu to investigate the root causes of the attacks.

    In response to the statement, the DHQ said HURIWA was “ill-informed and could not spend time researching on efforts the military had made to restore normalcy in troubled areas of the country.”

    The DHQ chronicled efforts by the military to arrest the situation including numerous intelligence-driven operations that had been conducted which led to the arrest of key suspects who were currently undergoing interrogation.

    Read Also: Plateau crisis: DHQ threatens legal action against HURIWA

    “It is therefore pertinent to note that the team was constituted as part of the non-kinetic approach of the DHQ in resolving the situation. Also, the team’s responsibility spreads across troubled areas in the country and not limited to Plateau State alone. 

    “The DHQ calls on HURIWA being one of the respected human rights groups, to cultivate the habit of seeking credible information on issues especially as it concerns National Security before approaching the media.

    “It is evident the group was ill-informed and could not spend time researching on efforts the military had made to restore normalcy in troubled areas of the country.

    “The DHQ would have naturally overlooked the ignorance of HURIWA on this matter but finds it necessary to educate civil society organisations on the responsible use of the media not to disseminate falsehoods and create tension where none exists.

    “We therefore advise HURIWA to henceforth be passionate to seek adequate information on issues of national importance and stop misleading the public deliberately.

    “The DHQ would take strong legal action should such a mistake repeat itself,” it said.

  • Troops neutralise 94 terrorists, apprehend 214 in 1 week – DHQ

    Troops neutralise 94 terrorists, apprehend 214 in 1 week – DHQ

    Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised no fewer than 94 terrorists and apprehended 214 suspects including kidnappers and oil thieves in various operations in the last one week.

    The Director, Defense Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops also rescued 29 hostages and recovered 168 assorted weapons and 2,757 assorted ammunition within the week.

    In the North East, he said a total of 168 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families comprising 11 adult males 65 adult females and 92 children surrendered to troops within the theatre operations between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24.

    Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 27 terrorists and arrested four as well as recovered 22 AK47 rifles, one VEKTOR R4 rifle, among several other items.

    He said the air component conducted air interdiction on the terrorists’ hideouts and movements of gun trucks with intention of carrying out coordinated attacks on troops and civilians in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

    According to him, the locations were acquired, attacked and bombarded with rockets and cannons killing several terrorists, destroyed their mobility and structures.

    Read Also: Plateau crisis: Military remains neutral, professional, says DHQ

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents and foiled Fulani militias attack on locals in Mangu, Bokkos and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau during the week.

    He said they neutralised 11 insurgents, arrested 32 violent extremists and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of arms and ammunition.

    He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised 13 insurgents and arrested 30 violent extremists and insurgents as well as recovered weapons amongst others.

    In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 27 insurgents, arrested six and rescued 13 hostages during the period.

    He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 12 insurgents, arrested 27 violent and rescued 12 hostages

    According to him, the air component conducted air interdictions on a notorious terrorist hideouts in Kaduna State killing several terrorists/kidnappers and their kingpin known as Janari.

    In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 31 illegal refining sites with 16 dugout pits, 51 boats, 49 storage tanks, 38 cooking ovens, and three pumping machines.

    He added that the troops recovered 363,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 198,315 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of PMS, during the period.

    (NAN) 

  • Insecurity: We have deployed Special Forces to hotspots in Abuja, Plateau, others, says DHQ

    Insecurity: We have deployed Special Forces to hotspots in Abuja, Plateau, others, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it has deployed Special Forces to some of terrorists and bandits hotspots in the country to conduct targeted operations.

    It said it has also deployed several battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability on the terrorists and bandits.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said this during a press briefing on Thursday, January 25.

    He said the military and other security agencies have continued with offensive operations in some suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

    The suburbs, according to him, are Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro and Tukuba all in Kuje Area Council.

    Other areas covered were Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry, and Nukuchi Villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.

    He said troops are also conducting operations in some villages in neighboring states to the FCT. Such villages, according to the defence spokesperson, are Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa, and Garam in the Tafa Local government area of Niger State, and Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa Local government areas of Nasarawa State.

    Buba said: “The military is conscious of the fact that the ongoing insurgency has contributed to making life worse for many citizens in several geo-political zones across the country such as the North East, North West, North Central and South East.

     “We also recognize the apprehension occasioned by kidnappings, particularly with recent events recorded in the FCT and other areas.

    “Indeed, we may not have all the answers now. However, we assure citizens that we are working assiduously to address the situation both in the immediate and long term to ensure the safety of lives and property. We are redoubling our efforts to ensure citizens live in a peaceful environment and have a prosperous life. This is achievable and we are focused on achieving it. 

    “The armed forces would destroy the cancer of terrorism that is ravaging our country thereby creating situations such as is ongoing in the Plateau State. The situation of insecurity that we are confronted with is self-inflicted by our own citizens upon one another. Nevertheless, it is our duty to protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future. 

    “We do not take lightly the privilege and enormous responsibility of safeguarding our citizens.  It is for this reason that, we constantly rejig our operational strategies in order to adopt the best course of action that would make these ugly experiences a thing of the past.”

    Read Also: Plateau crisis: Military remains neutral, professional, says DHQ

    Giving updates on troops operations within the weeks in other parts of the country, Buba said troops neutralised 94 and arrested 171 of them. Troops also arrested 43 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 29 kidnapped hostages. In the South South troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Eighty Five Million Nine Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N485,983,150.00) only.

    “Furthermore, troops recovered 168 assorted weapons and 2,757 assorted ammunition,” he said.

    “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 16 dugout pits, 51 boats, 49 storage tanks and 3 vehicles. Other items recovered include 38 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines and 31 illegal refining sites.

    “Troops recovered 363,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 198,315 litres of illegally refined diesel and 5,200 litres of petrol.”

  • ‘No gree for terrorists’ this year, DHQ advises Nigerians

    ‘No gree for terrorists’ this year, DHQ advises Nigerians

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has urged Nigerians to resist terrorists and report criminal activities to security operatives in the New Year.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, January 11, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stressed the importance of citizens being security-conscious and providing information to assist military efforts.

    Buba, using the popular slang “no gree for anybody” among youths, urged Nigerians to stand firm against terrorism, a slang which is currently trending among youths as slang for the year.

    “Make Nigerians no gree for terrorists this year. You see something, you say something and we assure them of doing something,” he said in pidgin.

    He assured the public that the military would take action based on credible information, adding that the DHQ’s goal for 2024 is to locate and eliminate terrorists, denying them the ability to terrorise citizens across the country.

    He said: “The aim of our ongoing operations remains unchanged and clear even in the new year 2024. We aim to find and destroy the terrorist wherever they may be hiding to ensure their enduring defeat. This would deny the terrorist the ability to terrorise or hurt citizens across the country.

    “Our operations indicate that we are hunting the terrorist commanders and their senior leadership. Indeed, from their topmost leadership to the lowest commanders are dead men walking and we will stop at nothing until they are dead or surrender.”

    He noted that military operations in the last two weeks had resulted in the killing of 86 terrorists, while 101 have been arrested.

    “Our operations resulted in 86 neutralized terrorists with 101 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 30 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages.

    In contrast to Buba’s comment, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, cautioned on Wednesday that the use of slang may cause a crisis in the nation.

    Following his call for Nigerians to rise against terrorism, Buba said that the military’s goal for 2024 is to find and eliminate terrorists wherever they may be hiding.

    Read Also: Military kills, arrests terrorists in Abuja suburb, says DHQ

    He added: “The aim of our ongoing operations remains unchanged and clear even in the new year 2024. We aim to find and destroy the terrorist wherever they may be hiding to ensure their enduring defeat. This would deny the terrorist the ability to terrorize or hurt citizens across the country.

    “Our operations indicate that we are hunting the terrorist commanders and their senior leadership. Indeed, from their topmost leadership to the lowest commanders are dead men walking and we will stop at nothing until they are dead or surrender.”

    He noted that military operations in the last two weeks had resulted in the killing of 86 terrorists, while 101 have been arrested.

    “Our operations resulted in 86 neutralized terrorists with 101 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 30 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages.

    “In the SS, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of N736,115,470.00 only,” Buba added

  • War against terrorism a must win, says DHQ

    War against terrorism a must win, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that the ongoing operations against terrorists and insecurity across the country are a war in which the military has no choice but to win.

    It also said that the military the conducting the war against terrorists in accordance with the laws of armed conflict and based on intelligence.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said this in a statement on Friday, December 15.

    Buba said ongoing operations are also based on both military necessity and on distinguishing between civilians, noncombatants, and terrorists.

    He said: “The military will continue to take the fight to the terrorists and their cohorts until they are destroyed or surrendered.”

    Given updates on troops’ operations across the country in the past week, the Defence spokesperson said troops killed 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 of them were arrested.

    He said: “Recently, the military conducted two major air strikes on the terrorist enclave. One of the strikes, on 6 December 23, neutralized several top terrorist commanders. Namely, one Machika, a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of a notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide).

    “Other prominent terrorist leaders neutralized include Haro and Dan Muhammadu, both of whom are specialists in kidnapping and assault operations respectively.

     “Additionally, on 11 December 23, through a synchronized strike between air and ground forces aimed at the same target. A renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, and Ali Alhaji ALHERI popularly called Kachalla Ali KAWAJE was neutralized in Munya LGA of Niger state along with many of his foot soldiers.

    According to the military high command, the military was fast closing in on others and they will equally suffer the same fate.

    On troops operation in the South East, Buba said on December 13 troops in conjunction with other security agencies arrested a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    Buba said: “The commander, one Mr Uchechukwu Akpa was arrested together with three other sub-commanders, namely Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.

    “The trio were arrested after a raid on their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. They gathered to plot a take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter from the apprehended former Commander known as “Chocho”. They also planned to attack troop locations. 

    “During the raid, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape. It could be recalled that Mr Uchechukwu Akpa was the Second in Command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN leader currently in custody. Subsequently, another raid connected with the arrest was conducted in December 142. Troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle, Two AK 47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one Pump action rifle.”

    According to Buba, troops also arrested 66 oil thieves and recused 89 kidnap victims.

    The Defence spokesperson said troops on operations in the south-south region recovered 357,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 185,300 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 20,600 litres of petrol.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing: Gov kicks over DHQ’s statement, demands retraction

    He stated that the troops also destroyed 15 dugout pits, 25 boats, 74 storage tanks, 14 vehicles, 115 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs, 10 cooling systems, 10 receivers, 3 pumping machines, 64 illegal refining sites. 

    Buba said: “Furthermore, troops recovered 67 assorted weapons and 1,194 assorted ammunition. The breakdown are as follows: 20 AK47 rifles, 4 pump action guns, 5 locally fabricated rifles, 2 locally fabricated double barrel guns, one barreta pistol, 4 locally made pistols, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, one round of 5.56mm ammo, 15 live cartridges.

    “Others are: one magazine loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one LMG magazine, one CZ pistol magazine, 7 empty magazines, one locally made pistol magazine, one damaged magazine, one dane gun butt, 5 vehicles, 14 mobile phones, 32 motorcycles, one laptop and the sum of N1,123,800.00 amongst other items.”

  • How we protect women, children during conflicts, by DHQ

    How we protect women, children during conflicts, by DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters said the asymmetric nature of current security challenges in the country has made the military and other security agencies adopt a more realistic gender mainstreaming strategy to defend and protect women and children during conflicts.

    It also said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has attained 27.9 per cent female participation in peace support operations as against the 17 per cent benchmark recommended by the United Nations (UN).

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said this at a one-day Gender Mainstreaming Conference organized by the Defence Headquarters Abuja yesterday.

    He said the Nigerian military had received encomium from the UN and the Africa Union (AU) for adopting commendable gender mainstreaming policies in all its military operations within and outside Nigeria.

    The CDS said: “The available record reveals that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been able to attain 27.9 per cent female participation in peacekeeping operations.

    “These deliberate efforts by the military are in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, mandating countries to develop their own action plans to identify, evaluate and control efforts to achieve the objectives of Women, Peace and Security.

    “The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 was mooted to ensure women and societal security needs are safeguarded through increased emphasis on prevention, protection and participation of women in military operations.”

    Gen. Musa said the conference, themed as “Building Capacity Through Gender Mainstreaming to meet Security Challenges” was  tailored at fashioning out the right ambience for the Nigerian military in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating operational and administrative doctrines that would promote and enhance their capacity to combat the myriads of security challenges.

    He urged all participants and stakeholders to be open minded to engage in constructive discussions that would further improve the existing gender policies and gender mainstreaming in the military.

    The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, commended the Federal Government’s efforts in promoting gender mainstreaming in the nation’s armed forces.

    Read Also:Terrorists, bandits’ days are numbered, says DHQ

    Mohammed said the conference was apt in building on the Gender Policies for the Armed Forces of Nigeria that was launched in 2021, adding that Nigeria, like many other nations, faces many security challenges, both the national and regional levels.

    The UN scribe said the UN would continue to support the federal government in its efforts to deepen gender inclusiveness and bridge the gender gaps in the armed forces.

    She said that the challenges had far reaching consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society, such as women and children.

    According to her, the Nigerian armed forces had continued to play pivotal roles in both preventing and responding to those security challenges while upholding human rights and safeguarding the nation’s security.

    Mohammed said: “Gender mainstreaming is crucial to the peace process during and after conflict because it sits at the heart of our Sustainable Development Goals.

     “Study after study has demonstrated that when we strengthen women’s resilience and leadership, everyone benefits, including men and boys.

    “Women are more likely to foster inclusive modes of governance and coexistence, more likely to build peace and silence against, and more likely to invest in sustainable development and a cornerstone of peaceful, prosperous communities and societies.

    “Women’s active participation and leadership at all levels is essential to building an inclusive, responsive, and accountable armed forces that reflects the diversity of the community service and better response to their needs.”

    The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson, said the role of women in policy making in the defence, insecurity and operational frontline had grown and become steadily more important.

    Atkinson said the UK and Nigeria had adopted and domesticated UNSCR 1325, which had made the role of women in peace and security fundamental to the future of the nations’ defence and security.