Tag: Mohammed Badaru

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) is committed to strengthening institutions for efficient governance for all Nigerians.

Badaru said this yesterday at the graduation lecture of participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, where he was the special guest of honour.

The minister said the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen institutions through leadership appointments, reforms, and new frameworks were deliberately designed to promote accountability, professionalism, and effective coordination.

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He said: “In alignment with the President’s mission, the Ministry of Defence is focused on building systems that will outlast any administration and secure stability for future generations.”

Badaru said the theme of the lecture: Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa, which was delivered by former Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo, explored the heart of Africa’s future.

The minister noted that when institutions are weak, nations falter; and when institutions are strong, nations endure, economies grow, and societies thrive.

“He added: rong individuals, but on resilient and accountable institutions.”

Badaru stressed that despite the efforts to deepen good governance and institutional resilience across Africa, peace, security, and development require deeper cooperation and stronger institutions.

Nigeria, the minister said, stands ready to lead through domestic reforms and contributions to Africa’s collective renewal.

He urged the graduating participants of Course 33 to embrace their leadership responsibilities, stressing that their 11-month training had prepared them to think strategically, act decisively, and lead with dignity.

“Your task is to strengthen the institutions you serve, for institutions only endure when leaders uphold fairness, accountability, and service to the people,” Badaru said.

Defence Mohammed Badaru has pledged to attend the proposed national security summit planned by the National Assembly.

He described the initiative as “timely” in addressing Nigeria’s growing security concerns, Badaru expressed his support for the two-day event.

Badaru had last week, during the inter-ministerial briefing, said a security strategy will serve the country more than the proposed summit by the Senate.

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But, addressing journalists on Sunday, the minister emphasised that while the summit offers a valuable platform for dialogue, true progress lies in transforming ideas into concrete national defence strategies.

He reiterated that he would participate in the summit, and ensure that whatever outcomes from the summit are translated into action and lead to tangible results.

He said, “When you hold a summit, you hear people speak, gather perspectives, and take those insights back to review and strengthen our strategy, which is translated into action. That’s how change happens.

“I commend the National Assembly’s efforts to bring stakeholders together. It is a commendable move towards inclusive policy-making. That talk must lead to tangible outcomes.”

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru has dismissed claims of military inferiority, saying armed forces have superior weapons and technology.

Badaru said this during a Ministerial Press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday.

He rebutted recent claims by federal lawmakers that terrorists have the upper hand over military troops, following a recent attack on a military base in Borno.

The lawmakers had claimed that the attacks showed Boko Haram and ISWAP were better equipped than Nigeria’s troops.

But the minister attributed the attacks to terrorists’ irregular warfare tactics aided by local informants, not military inferiority.

Badaru said, “Yesterday, the House of Representatives said that the terrorists have better weapons than we. That is not true. That is absolutely not true. We have much more sophisticated weapons, and we have much more sophisticated drones.

“The issue is, this war is not a conventional war. It is like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have information around us. They help the people that we try to protect. And they give them information. And they jump at us in a way we don’t expect.

“And when they know that our surveillance mechanism is watching in some direction, because we cannot cover our area. So that is it, because they don’t have more equipment than us. We have much more. We have much more sophisticated equipment. And that is one of the sources that I just mentioned.”

Badaru said the use of drones by terrorists was no cause for alarm, as they were civilian drones modified for surveillance, not military-grade or weaponised drones.

On a proposed national security summit, Badaru acknowledged its potential benefits but emphasised that effective strategies are key to improving security.

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“They are not using armed drones with strategic guidance. But we are doubling our intelligence efforts, both locally and internationally, to track and cut off supply sources,” he said.

“On the summit, yes, strategy is far more important than the summit. But the summit will give you some inputs for the strategy. When you hold a summit, you have people who talk. We take what they expect, and we go back to design or renew our strategy.

“And then the Chief of Defence Staff gives operational orders based on the strategy they developed. So what the National Assembly is trying to do, maybe, is to bring people together to discuss issues. You hear a lot.

“I visited most of the past defence ministers. I visited most of the past service chiefs to discuss issues of security during their time and what we see today, and how we do. And I’m sure the service chiefs also do the same. So the summit can help, but the strategy is much more important.”

Badaru said 10 of 53 companies under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) have started producing military hardware, including drones, aircraft parts, and protective gear, as part of efforts towards self-sufficiency.

“We are working to see if we can sustain a section in Ajaokuta that will support our efforts to make DICON more vibrant,” Badaru said.

“Currently, with the support of the President, the Governor, and the Chief of Defence Staff, DICON— as many of you know — is hosting 53 companies. Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories. About 10 of these companies have already commenced production, including the manufacturing of drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, safety vests, and other equipment.

“So far, 10 have begun production, and we are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year. By next year, we aim to begin exporting.”

The Federal Government has assured the people of the South-East of enhanced security in the region.

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, gave the assurance while addressing officers/personnel of 82 Division/Joint task force South East Operation Udoka during his operational visit to Enugu State.

This was contained in a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, yesterday in Abuja.

Badaru said that a secured environment was crucial for business growth and prosperity and urged the officers/personnel to intensify efforts at combating insecurity in the region.

According to him, without security, there can be no peace or development.

The minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insecurity nationwide, adding that in the past year lots of progress had been made to that effect.

“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division/ Joint Task Force South East Operation Udoka, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, announced that the army was implementing robust strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the upcoming festive season.

He said, “Through the Joint Security Task Force in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation Udoka, we aim to create a secure atmosphere that facilitates the usual mass return for Christmas.”

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Similarly, the minister visited Imo State in continuation of his operational tour of the region.

Addressing the troops at the Forward Operation Base, Okigwe, 211 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Air Force Owerri and Naval Base Oguta, he urged them to improve on their successes.

He also visited the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, and extended his gratitude for his support to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army/Joint Task force, Operation Udoka.

He stressed that the Ministry of Defence remained committed to fostering a secure and peaceful environment conducive for businesses and community development in the South-East.

He said, “We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria.’’

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru has urged chiefs of defence staff in the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) to develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security that will ensure peace and stability in the sub-region.

The minister also urged them to develop strategies that would ensure effective responses to emerging threats in the continent.

Badaru spoke at the 42nd meeting of ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff yesterday in Abuja.

The minister noted their military knowledge and strategic foresight were crucial in ending insecurity in the sub-region and other parts of Africa.

He said: “This meeting is a further testament of our collective and resolute commitment to the peace, security and stability of our region.

“The role of the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defence staff cannot be overstated as we develop new military strategies and coordinate regional security, ensuring peace, stability and effective responses to emerging threats.

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“In these times of rapidly evolving challenges, your military knowledge and strategic foresight are crucial. Your capacity to devise solutions is more essential than ever as we strive to protect our security and uphold the maintenance of regional peace, stability and security, as inclusively stated under the fundamental principles.

“As we gather in Abuja beginning from today for this meeting, it is important that you deeply reflect on the rapidly evolving complex security situation in our region.

“The threats we face are multi-faceted, ranging from violence, terrorism and insurgency to organised crime and piracy.

“As the vanguard of our peace and security efforts, your strategies, decisions and actions are vital in determining our security landscape and architecture.

“Furthermore, the recent destabilising events in some of our member-states, marked by unconstitutional changes in government, remind us of the fragile nature of our democratic institutions and the urgency for robust and coordinated responses.

“This meeting, therefore, presents an opportunity (for us) to share insights, exchange ideas and strengthen our partnerships to enhance our capacities and also address the security challenges we face.”

Badaru, who was the special guest of honour at the event, advised the committee to work out a reference with two contributing countries towards the deployment of ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission in Sierra Leone.

The minister also called for the “operationalisation of the Regional Standby Force for Counter-Terrorism, as well as the ongoing peace support operation in The Gambia, Southsouth and other sister-countries”.