The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace in regions affected by communal clashes and insurgency.
Badaru made this declaration during a two-day working visit to military institutions in Kaduna State, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Command Engineering Depot, and Air Force Institute of Technology.
During his visit which began on Tuesday, the minister highlighted progress in Birnin Gwari, where a combination of military and dialogue-based approaches has yielded positive results.
“Markets are opening, and traffic is flowing freely,” Badaru reported, while acknowledging that some states still experience isolated attacks.
Addressing the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in Benue State, Badaru emphasized the importance of non-kinetic solutions.
“In Benue, where communal clashes between farmers and herders were a major concern, the minister emphasised the need for a non-kinetic approach to appease the parties involved and prevent further attacks,” the statement noted.
More Read
Regarding the Northeast, particularly Borno State, Badaru acknowledged the resurgence of Boko Haram activities but expressed confidence in the military’s response.
“The troops are doing wonderfully well and would continue to do so with the special grace of God and the public’s prayers,” he stated.
The minister also inspected local military production facilities, praising indigenous efforts in manufacturing critical defense equipment. He expressed particular satisfaction with the production of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at the Command Engineering Depot, describing the institutions as “doing a very good job” in achieving self-sufficiency in military hardware.
At the NDA, Badaru toured ongoing construction projects including the Hall of Fame, Centre of Excellence, Senate Building, Post-Graduate School, and Centre for Innovation and Creativity.
The academy’s Commandant, Major-General Abdulkhalifa Ibrahim, briefed the minister on academic activities and infrastructure development, commending government support for the institution.
Badaru reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to equipping the military with necessary resources, stating: “The institutions were doing a very good job in carrying out the president’s instructions to conduct deep research and achieve self-sufficiency in military requirements.”
He particularly noted the workshop’s capability to repair damaged MRAPs and tanks, as well as develop new equipment like the Buffalo MRAP.
The minister concluded by emphasizing the NDA’s vital role in training future military leaders, pledging continued government support to maintain the academy’s standards of excellence.
