Security
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE TO STRENGTHEN BORDER SECURITY, VETERANS WELFARE AND POLICY REFORMS —MUSA
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to enhance border security, advance the welfare of military veterans, and undertake a comprehensive review of defence policy frameworks as part of efforts to fortify Nigeria’s national security architecture. The Minister made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Shiphouse, Abuja.
Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director Information and Public Relations, for the Director of Information and Public Relations, in a statement, quoted General Musa as emphasising that the country’s security landscape is constantly shifting and requires that existing documents, such as the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019), be regularly updated to address emerging threats and global developments. According to General Musa, policy instruments must remain responsive to the fluid nature of security challenges. He stressed that it is imperative for the Armed Forces and supporting institutional structures to evolve in tandem with these changes. The Minister disclosed that the Ministry would engage with the Permanent Secretary and other strategic partners to facilitate structured dialogue aimed at reviewing and updating critical defence documents.
Addressing border security, General Musa described it as a fundamental component of the national security strategy. He underscored the need to strengthen surveillance systems and control measures to ensure comprehensive awareness of cross-border activities. He noted that knowing who enters and exits the country, as well as what is brought in, is essential to curbing transnational crimes and improving overall security. General Musa further emphasised the importance of prioritising the welfare of veterans, affirming that those who have served the nation deserve robust post-service support, particularly in healthcare and other benefits. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is actively reviewing existing frameworks to enhance veterans’ welfare and is exploring best practices to ensure retired personnel enjoy dignity and improved quality of life.
Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor (rtd), President of AANDEC, commended General Musa for the warm reception and acknowledged the association’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in implementing the National Defence Policy. Rear Admiral Agholor highlighted that AANDEC brings substantial professional expertise and capacity to support the Ministry through research, advisory services, and strategic initiatives. He called for the Ministry’s assistance in boosting the association’s operational capacity, particularly in areas such as mobility, office equipment, conference facilities, and the hosting of the upcoming National Security Summit. He also sought support for the development of a permanent facility for the association. Rear Admiral Agholor reaffirmed AANDEC’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, noting that deeper institutional cooperation would yield significant benefits.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, along with directors of the Ministry, were present at the event.
Indonesia has confirmed that it has entered into an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system as part of efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities.
The announcement was made on Monday by Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait, who said the acquisition forms part of Jakarta’s broader plan to modernise its military hardware, particularly in the maritime sector.
Although the total value of the agreement was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested the deal could be worth between $200 million and $350 million, following years of negotiations between the two countries.
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia through BrahMos Aerospace, is regarded as one of the world’s fastest operational cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms.
Indonesia’s purchase would make it the second foreign buyer of the BrahMos system after the Philippines, which signed a deal with India in 2022 as New Delhi pushes to expand its defence exports.
Defence analysts say the acquisition could significantly enhance Indonesia’s coastal defence and maritime strike capabilities, particularly given the country’s vast archipelagic territory and growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.
The deal also marks a strengthening of defence cooperation between India and Southeast Asian nations, as regional governments increasingly invest in advanced missile systems to deter potential threats and safeguard strategic waterways.
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted multiple coordinated attacks launched by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on several military positions across the North-East.
The attacks occurred on the night of March 8 and the early hours of March 9, 2026, between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., targeting military locations in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, Mainok, and a troop harbour position within the Sambisa Forest.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the terrorists were said to have launched the assaults simultaneously from multiple directions in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to overwhelm troop positions.
Despite the intensity of the attacks and the heavy firepower deployed by the insurgents, troops held their ground and mounted strong defensive responses across the affected locations. Reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI were also deployed, providing timely support during the engagements.
According to the statement, the attackers were eventually forced to withdraw after encountering overwhelming resistance from the troops, leaving behind several casualties.
Troops also recovered weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, including two PKT machine guns, six AK-47 rifles, eight rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, four mortar bombs, and assorted ammunition of various calibres.
Military authorities disclosed that the intensity of the firefights led to temporary breaches in sections of the defensive perimeters at Goniri and Kukawa. Some structures within the bases as well as a number of vehicles were also damaged during the clashes.
However, the military confirmed that all the affected locations remain firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops.
The statement added that ground forces, supported by the Air Component, have commenced follow-up exploitation operations in the affected areas. Cordon and search operations are also ongoing in neighbouring communities following reports that some wounded terrorists may have sought refuge there.
The military also confirmed that the engagements resulted in the loss of some soldiers, including an officer in Kukawa who was described as outstanding.
The statement noted that the fallen personnel paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation and the protection of innocent citizens.
Operation HADIN KAI assured that its troops remain vigilant, motivated, and committed to sustaining relentless operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring lasting security across the North-East region.
Security operatives have rescued at least 19 people abducted by suspected kidnappers in communities within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside officers of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, after receiving intelligence on the location of the kidnappers.
According to military authorities, the security team traced the suspected criminals to a hideout around Gidan Dogo, where they engaged the kidnappers in a firefight.
During the operation, one suspected bandit was killed, while others fled the scene with gunshot wounds. Security forces subsequently combed the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm believed to have been used by the kidnappers.
“All the kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and evacuated to safety,” a statement from the Guards Brigade said.
The victims were abducted earlier during attacks on communities around the Byazhin axis of Bwari, an area that has recently experienced a rise in kidnapping incidents targeting residents.
Authorities said the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and support, while troops have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities.
The Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborated security agencies for their professionalism and bravery during the rescue mission.
He also assured residents that security forces remain committed to protecting the Federal Capital Territory and eliminating kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the region.
Security operatives added that further operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the kidnapping network operating around the Abuja suburbs.