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Tag: Minister of Defence

Minister lauds Armed Forces for defeating Boko Haram

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali Thursday commended personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces for the sacrifice they made to ensure the return of peace in the northeast of the country.

According to him the armed forces laboured day and night under very harsh conditions with some paying the supreme price to bring the deadly activities of the Boko Haram insurgents to an end.

He said it was therefore incumbent on Nigerians to appreciate and support the gallantry and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces by supporting their welfare especially the fallen heroes.

The Minister spoke with reporters in Abuja to herald the activities lined up for the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

Dan-Ali noted that the relative peace being enjoyed in the northeast was as a result of the sacrifices of men and women of the Armed forces.

He said: “They have laboured day and night under very harsh conditions. Some have paid the supreme price , others have been permanently incapacitated, while others are missing in action,”he said, why appealing to the public for assistance for the fallen heroes.

“On our part, the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence under my watch will continue to be proactive in attending to their welfare needs.”

He said the event would afford Nigerians and foreign nationals working in the country the opportunity to support the families of fallen heroes with donations and other welfare assistance.

“The ministry is assessing a proposal to make informed decisions that will enhance the welfare of our veterans. The Military Pension Board had continued to deliver on regular pensions for military retirees,”he said.

The minister warned that the ministry would not tolerate sharp practices in pension administration process, adding that the military health insurance scheme was extended to the retirees and their families.

“The health insurance scheme has continued to impact positively on the health status of our veterans and their families,”he said.

Activities lined up for the event include:launch of the Emblem by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 25 at the National Cenotaph, religious services and laying of wreath.

October 12, 2017
Insurgency: FG committed to victory — Defence Minister

The Federal Government remained committed to winning the war against insurgency, the Minister of Defence, Malam Muneer Dan-Ali, has assured.

‎The Minister gave the assurance on Monday in Kano while briefing newsmen.

He said the military was determined to overcome security challenges confronting the nation, especially in the North-East where the Boko Haram terrorist group had renewed suicide bombings.‎

‎He said that in its efforts to end the spate of bombings in the town, the military had undertaken a search of residential houses in Maiduguri Township to fish out the hideouts of the insurgents. ‎

He said that the security agencies were collaborating with each other to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.

‎The minister said he was in Kano to commission the Kano/Jigawa zonal office of the military health services.

According to him, the commissioning of the office will go a long way to address the health needs of serving military men ‎and retirees.

August 14, 2017
Osinbajo meets security chiefs over insecurity

… Orders troops back to command centre

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday met behind closed doors with service chiefs over terrorists’ attacks in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno State.

Several people have been killed recently in renewed attacks by remnants of Boko Haram sect in the North East.

To check the insurgents’ onslaught, the Acting President has ordered movement of troops back to the command centre.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said: “We just finished a meeting with the Acting President and the three Service Chiefs. We agreed that they should move back to the Command Centre again and see what is happening there.

“We have also agreed that we should get more surveillance devices, cameras that would be able to see distant attackers coming to the position of our troops.

“So also the period of the raining season is a difficult moment for us. We cannot dominate the environment like we did during the dry season. But effort is geared towards regaining back our areas and we assure that all these ambushes that are happening regularly would be stopped.”

July 27, 2017
Malian Army seeks Nigeria’s support on insurgency
The Malian Army on Monday approached the Nigerian Army for support and cooperation for the training of its personnel, especially in the areas of armour and artillery.

The Malian Army Chief of Staff, Col. Maj. Abdrahamane Baby, who paid a visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in Abuja, said the call was necessary to enable his country to tackle insurgency and terrorism.Maj.

He maintained that the visit was to seek the cooperation of Nigerian army in that regard, as both countries were facing insurgency and terrorism.

He said: “The aim of this visit is to explore further cooperation between the Nigerian Army and Malian Army.
- Over 700 Boko Haram militants have surrendered to troops – Buratai
“We are facing a transnational threat of terrorism and we believe we need to get closer to see what we can learn from each other.

“That was why Malian army personnel were sent to Nigeria for training “so as to garner experiences in the areas of armour and artillery.”

Colonel Major Baby said the armies of both countries needed to share experiences and knowledge “as we both fight terrorism.’’

Buratai being honoured in Brazil with highest Military award

Responding, The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Buratai assured his counterpart that the Malian personnel would be given slots in armour and artillery training schools in Nigeria. Buratai assured his counterpart that the Malian personnel would be given slots in armour and artillery training schools in Nigeria.

He also assured that the Nigerian Army would cooperate with Malian Army in all aspects as both countries tackle similar security challenges.

Buratai added that terrorists in both countries adopted the same method of attacks, hitting soft targets and government installations, adding that Nigerian Army was ready to collaborate with Malian Army in checking attacks.
- Brazilian Army honour Buratai with highest military award
“This is because the threats of insurgency and terrorism in Northern Mali is also a threat to Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has inaugurated locally fabricated Infantry Patrol Vehicles (IPV) that would enhance troops operations across the country.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali who inaugurated the vehicles and also performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Army cantonment known as Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment at Giri, on Airport, Abuja.

The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt. -Gen. Army of Staff, Lt. -Gen. Army of Staff, Lt. -Gen. Tukur Buratai explained that the vehicles were locally designed and fabricated by personnel of the Nigerian Army after extensive research.

Buratai said that the platform would further serve as force motivation as efforts were being stepped up to clear remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, noting that the vehicles had been already been deployed to the region.

According to him, the vehicles are one of the platforms used for fire power demonstration during the 2017 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) earlier held at the Sambisa forest in Borno.

He further explained that the vehicles could be used for long-range battles as they could be mounted with General Purpose Machine Gun – GPMG and other calibres of weapon.

Buratai said: “The inauguration of the patrol vehicles is part of the overall strategy toward the establishment of a military industrial complex, which is expected to be a major employer of labour when it takes off.”

Earlier, the minister said that the process of transforming the army, anchored on three pillars, capacity building, reorganisation and troops welfare which began two years ago, had not been easy.

Dan-Ali said that the construction of the cantonment at Giri would provide a conducive working and living accommodation for officers and soldiers in the FCT.
July 10, 2017
Disloyalty: Minister of Defence warns officers

The Minister of Defence, retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali on Saturday, warned against disloyalty, disobedience and insubordination to the constituted authority.

He gave the warning during the passing out parade of officers’ cadet of Direct Short Service course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna.

He said any person caught with disloyalty and similar offences would be decisively dealt with accordingly.

“I wish to make it clear that the armed forces of Nigeria are also undergoing a period of self appraisal; there is zero tolerance for indiscipline and unprofessional conduct,’’ he said.

Dan-Ali noted that the passing out of another set of officers to the Nigerian Army came at a period the country was consolidating on the gains of counter -insurgency operation.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces, as you are aware, have been involved in an extensive combat against insurgency and terrorist groups.

“It is the responsibility of every one to play in the consolidation of on-going success and post -conflict situation,’’ he said.

The minister appreciated the success of the armed forces in various operations, especially in the north eastern part of the country, where the Boko Haram insurgency had largely been decimated.

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his political will and strong support for the war against Boko Haram insurgency.

No fewer than 200 officers graduated from the six-month training.

June 3, 2017
Borno: Minister orders investigation into accidental bombing

The Minister of Defence has ordered a full-scale investigation into Tuesday`s accidental bombing of the civilian target by the military in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno.

Dan-Ali gave the directive in Maiduguri on Wednesday while speaking at a condolence visit to the Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Muhammad Masta, in his residence.

Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari with a victim at ICRC medical facility in Maiduguri.

He said that the objective of the investigation was to prevent future recurrence of the problem.

“As the Honourable Minister of Defence, I have directed the Defence Headquarters to conduct a detailed investigation with a view to making sure that such ugly situation would never happen again in future operations,” Dan-Ali said.

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He said that the Military had been directed to offer all necessary emergency assistance to the victims of the unfortunate incident.

“I have authorised the Armed Forces to offer all necessary emergency assistance to the victims of those involved through casualty evacuation and provision of immediate medical care,” he said.

The minister said that the visit was to condole with the government and the people of the state over the incident.

“We are here to condole with the government and people of the state over Tuesday`s unfortunate incident that led to the loss of lives and injury to others, as a result of rockets mistakenly dropped by the Nigerian Air Force on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Rann.

“The incident is heart-troubling, highly regrettable and could have been avoided.

‘’However, this incident is an isolated case which happened rarely in a theatre of battle even among more advanced troops in the world.

“I pray to almighty Allah to grant the souls of those who died a perfect peace and also give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the loss.

‘’I also wish the injured a quick recovery,” Dan-Ali said.

Responding, Masta thanked the delegation for the visit and prayed for the recovery of the injured people.

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January 18, 2017
Sultan Dasuki buried in Sokoto

The former Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, who died on Monday has been laid to rest in Sokoto State.

Until his death, the late Dasuki, was the first from the Buhari line of the Dan Dodio House and the 18th Sultan. He was installed on December 6, 1988 but deposed in 1996 by the late Gen. Sani Abacha regime.

Dignitaries present at the burial of the father of ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.), include the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, Minister of Defence, Dan Ali, and others.

Photos

Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari, delivering FG’s condolence to Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar when he led the Federal Government delegation to the burial of late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki. Seated from left are Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, Minister of Defence, Dan Ali, and others.

The body of late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki on arrival at Sultan Muhammad Bello Mosque ahead of the Islamic funeral rites in Sokoto.

Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari, delivering FG’s condolence letter to Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar when he led the Federal Government delegation to the burial of late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki. Sokoto.

The body of late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki on arrival at Sultan Muhammad Bello Mosque ahead of the Islamic funeral rites.

Mourners at the Sultan Muhammad Bello Mosque ahead of the Islamic funeral rites for late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki in Sokoto.

November 15, 2016
Navy boosts war against militants

……To benefit from N60 billion China-African loan
The war against pipeline vandals and militants Wednesday got a boost as the Nigerian Navy (NN) unveiled 39 patrol boats that can penetrate the creeks.

This development occurred barely six months after the NN inaugurated 30 of the same class of boats (Epenal boats) in Port Harcourt which were built at the Naval Dockyard Limited.

Of the 39 unveiled by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Muhammad Dan-Ali (rtd) on Wednesday in Lagos, 30 were indigenously constructed, while nine of them including three Wave Riders and six Arrows.

Dan-Ali who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Danjuma Sheni also inaugurated 45 different mix of vehicles acquired by the navy to boosts its land operations.

Commending the navy for sourcing its needs in country and saving cost, Dan-Ali said the emerging security challenges in the country have had great consequences on the polity and economy of the country.

“These challenges have continued to demand a great deal of human and material resources to surmount, which in the light of dwindling revenue would be sustainable only with generous innovations and incorporations of home grown solutions.

“The Epenal Boat Yard Port Harcourt was contracted to construct 30 8.2m boats for the navy in 2015, which was delivered earlier this year. These were immediately inducted into the service and used for rigorous patrols in the Niger Delta.

“Their availability has helped to stem the tide of criminal activities in the area. Encouraged by the success of the venture, the contract for a further 50 was immediately awarded which has yielded the additional 30 boats. The remaining 20 will be delivered subsequently.

“I am hopeful that the boats would further boost the ongoing patrol efforts in the various rivers and creeks of the country to the immense benefit of the nation’s maritime security.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas said that the boats were built with improved features from the 30 inaugurated in Port Harcourt.

“These boats no doubt, have boosted NN maritime operations. These efforts, both then and now, represent NN’s modest contribution to enhance national security and prosperity.

“Of the 39 boats launched, nine were acquired from Sri Lanka and would be greatly helpful for patrol of territorial waters and the contiguous zone.

“The decision of the NN to consider to take such bold steps of building 60 boats locally from the two delivered lots, and with 34 more to join shortly, could be considered as part of the resolve to look inwards in the production of our naval hardware.

“The mounting operational challenges in the face of progressively dwindling economy necessitated the NN to explore more cost saving options through local construction of these patrol boats. The cost of production of a unit of the boat is less than half the cost of producing similar boats from overseas.

“This rate has been kept despite the massive erosion of Naira value between November 2015 when the production was contracted and now. These boats retained all positive features of the previous set including being fitted with appropriate weapons for credible firepower.

“Additionally, it benefitted from the incorporation of anti-ballistic protection, giving it edge for more audacious and aggressive employment. They are also expected to present a better sea-keeping ability with a wide margin for the many corrections applied to the design concept of Lot 1, through series of stage trials in the production cycle.

“I can say we are gradually but steadily moving towards the saturation of the nation’s backwaters with patrol boats for improved security of our maritime domain. The boats will be deployed optimally by various relevant NN units.

“Their induction would certainly enhance NN’s capability at carrying out her statutory roles and also assist immensely for the NN to keep the criminals at the back foot,” said Ibas.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isa Aman-Isa said the legislature appreciates the requirements of the navy and has ensured that it benefits from the N60billion China-Africa partnership loan.

He disclosed that they have commenced plans to ensure the navy gets adequate funds in the 2017 budget, assuring Nigerians that the issue of militancy would soon be a thing of the past.

At the event were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Naval Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet, Flag Officers Commanding (FOC) Western and Naval, Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai and his Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) colleague, Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed.

Others include the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Vice Marshal Sani Ahmed, the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot (NOD) Rear Admiral SO Paul, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in-charge of zone II, Abdulmajid Ali, as well as the Chairman, House Committees on Navy.

August 17, 2016
NDA names postgraduate school campus after Ribadu

*As Maitama Sule extols virtues of pioneer Defence Minister

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has renamed its post-graduate school after the pioneer Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu.

This was as first Republic Minister of Solid Minerals, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule extolled the virtures of the late Ribadu, describing him as the stabilizing force in the administration of Nigeria.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the renamed Ribadu Campus situated in the old site of the academy, Ambassador Sule, said Ribadu was a great Nigerian of inestimable value.

He added that, “Pa Ribadu was the stabilizing force in the administration of Nigeria, he was not the prime minster, he was not the premier of the north but, he was the leader of leaders, he was a strong man of his party.

“He was a true Nigerian, he was before he became Minister of Defence, Minister of Mines and Power, I succeeded him in 1959 after the independence elections, as minister of mines and power, he was in charge of petroleum, it was during his time that Shell started exploring for oil in Nigeria.

“Indeed, when northern Nigeria’s money was used to pay the central governments contribution to the exploration of oil and he was advised that the money should be used either in an investment or a loan, so that when the oil comes, the north can benefit from it, this great Nigerian said no, we are all Nigerians and if money from the north is used to develop an part of the country we are happy that we are helping our brothers.

“He was also responsible for influencing the shell to announce its pint, par Ribadu was not academic qualified, but he was what I call him, a native intellectual, he was a friend to all the members of the house, irrespective of their parties, he was a great man.

“Although he was not the leader of the part, he will tell our leaders including Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, he never minced words, he was principled, he was courageous, he was brave, he was a man of his words, he helped people and he lead Nigerian.”

Maitama Sule equally described the Armed Forces as the most important part of the government adding that, “I will like to see somebody in charge of that to be a man who is respected by all, who would be seen as the father, par Ribadu was seen as father by the armed forces.

“Pa Ribadu loved the soldiers so much that during the budget session of the House of Representatives, when we were discussing budget for the various ministries, the defence budget was the biggest and it took a long time to discuss the budget and approve it and when par Ribadu got up, he said, I am the Minster of Defence and so long as I hold that position, soldiers will eat well, soldiers will sleep well for if there is any trouble, it is these soldiers that will go there first and sacrifice their lives while you are asleep in your houses so not a single kobo will be deducted from my budget and he sat down and the whole house applauded him chanting ‘power,power’.”

He commended the Commandant of the NDA, for honouring Ribadu and prayed that the government of the federation will do the same.

Highlights of the event were the tree planting ceremony where 10,000 trees are to be planted and the commissioning of the NDA magazine conducted by the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Aliyu Batera.

July 22, 2016
Photos: Buhari in Washington for Nuclear Summit

President Buhari being welcomed by Minister of Defence, Monsur Dan Ali, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, DG National Intelligence Agency Amb. Ayodele Oke and Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Hon. Abike Dabiri.

President Muhammadu Buhari arrives the United States to hold bilateral talks with the United States’ Secretary of States, Senator John Kerry at the Walter Washington Convention Centre.

April 1, 2016