By Mariam Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has urged the armed forces to adopt innovative and proactive measures in addressing the security challenges facing the nation.
Tinubu gave the charge through the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja.
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 is 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 the president, it is only through jointness, synergy and cooperation that the nation can leverage its collective strength and unique capabilities to present a unified front against all threats.
“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 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 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 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.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, represented by the Permanent Secretary, 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 national interest and 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.
