The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has expressed commendation for the unwavering dedication and efforts of the troops serving in the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI. The minister conveyed his appreciation during an address to the troops at the 212 Battalion parade ground in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
In an official statement, Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the visit by the Defence Minister to the frontline aligns with the directive of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The purpose was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the challenges faced by troops in the frontline and to provide immediate solutions. Minister Abubakar assured the troops of the President’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing their welfare.
Prior to addressing the troops, the Defence Minister visited the office of the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, where he conveyed the appreciation of the Federal Government for the continuous support extended to the Nigerian Military by the Borno State Government. Governor Zulum reciprocated by commending the Federal Government for allocating resources and demonstrating political will in the pursuit of peace in Borno State and neighboring regions.
Subsequently, at the Headquarters Theatre Command, the Defence Minister received a comprehensive briefing on the operational activities and the security situation in the North East theatre from the Theatre Commander, Major General Gold Chibuisi. Following the briefing, Minister Abubakar visited wounded in action personnel undergoing treatment at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
Accompanying the Defence Minister on the visit were the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
The entourage also included Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Component Commanders, Heads of Security Agencies, and Paramilitary Organisations, among other dignitaries.
