* tasks military on efficiency, collaboration to address insecurity
* We must stay ahead of all threats – CDS
* Security a cardinal underpinning of our foreign policy – Amb. Yusuf Tuggar
By Augustine Aminu with agency report
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian Armed Forces to adopt innovative and proactive measures in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, gave the charge at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Defence Staff’s Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the conference with the theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations”, was a germane effort by the armed forces to bolster efficiency towards addressing the security challenges confronting the country.
He said the nation’s security landscape was dynamic and constantly evolving, suggesting the need to harmonise efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that could decisively address the security threats.
According to him, it is only through jointness, synergy and cooperation that the nation can leverage its collective strengths and unique capabilities to present a unified front against all threats to the nation.
“Beyond the jointness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, it is vital for us to explore effective integration of the military, police, intelligence and security agencies.
“Such an integrated approach will further strengthen our resolve to attain stipulated strategic objectives.
“While I applaud the tremendous efforts of the armed forces, I wish to also commend the various joint task forces and security agencies operating across the country for demonstrating the tenacity to bring all armed criminals to book,” he said.
The President said his administration had prioritised Nigeria’s security and would remain committed to supporting the armed forces and other security and para-military agencies in discharging their assigned tasks and responsibilities.
He said the conference would provide a unique forum for all Services Chiefs and Commanders of the Joint Task Forces to re-evaluate their operations, re-strategise and chart better ways for more effective performance.
He urged them to holistically explore in detail, the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation.
“I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the armed forces remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,” he added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, commended the armed forces for their steadfast commitment to peace and security of the nation.
Tuggar said the armed forces had consistently and professionally protected the nation and adapted to bravely confronting novel threats and existential challenges to the national interests and the stability.
According to him, promoting peace and security is the cardinal underpinning of our foreign policy and the very bone that unites the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the military, mindful that Nigeria remains a beacon of hope for the African continent and a source of inspiration and admiration, as well as hope for the wider world.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes seriously the crucial task of translating our government’s and people’s vision and aspirations into effective diplomatic action.
“At this juncture, we wish to commend the military for adopting innovative ideas and also pay tribute to a whole-society approach in addressing the dual challenges of terrorism and insurgency.
“As we face the task and prepare for future eventualities, our response must extend beyond the conventional military paradigm to encompass diplomatic, economic, social and cultural dimensions,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, called for increased investment in defence and intelligence sector to defeat the existing threats across the country.
Lawan also called for restructuring of the procurement processes in the military to align with the various needs of the services by having a harmonised system.
In the same development, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, said that the military must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of all security threats.
He commended the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of the officers and men of the armed forces in the various joint task force theatres in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
Musa said that the successes recorded in recent operations were a testament to the troops professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty, demonstrated through unity of purpose and effective collaborations.
“However, while we celebrate these achievements, we must remain vigilant. The security landscape continues to evolve, presenting new and complex challenges.
“Evolving threats, such as the employment of armed drones, transnational crimes, and the proliferation of improvised explosive devices, demand innovative and adaptive responses.
“This conference is therefore, an opportunity to critically examine these challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them.
“We must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of these threats,” he said.
The defence chief said that the conference would provide a critical platform for participants to reflect on their collective efforts, assess progress, and strategise for the challenges ahead.
He added that it was an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, share insights, and reaffirm commitment to the defence of the nation.
Musa said that the theme of the conference focused on the concept of jointness as a major determinant for operational success, particularly within the context of a complex and dynamic contemporary security environment.
According to him, the concept of jointness remains at the core of our operational success.
He said that a pillar of his leadership concept was to nurture a professional armed forces of Nigeria that was people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment.
The CDS said that commanders play pivotal role in fostering the spirit of collaboration and urged then to continue building bridges, sharing resources, and working as a cohesive team.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, and praised his sterling leadership and outstanding commitment as well as support to the armed forces and security agencies across the country.
“As we proceed with the conference, let us remember that the security of Nigeria is a collective responsibility.
“By working together, we can ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he added.
A former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, said that the conference was an opportunity to critically examine the challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them.
Petirin said that the military must embrace technology and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of insurgency, terrorism and other threats.