The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to develop a workable synergy in solving the nation’s pressing challenges.

In a statement, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Queenet Iheoma-Hart, said the Minister made this call during a courtesy visit by his counterpart, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, to his office at Ship House, Abuja.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the defence sector and agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in order to enhance innovation, research, and technological advancement in support of Nigeria’s security architecture.

Gen. Musa emphasized the importance of self-financing innovation and indigenous technological development, noting that Nigeria must prioritize local production and research to address national challenges and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.

He also highlighted the critical role of energy in defence operations, noting that many military barracks across the country currently face significant electricity challenges. He therefore called for stronger collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, particularly the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to explore sustainable energy solutions that can provide reliable power to military facilities and barracks.

In his words, “stable energy supply is essential for operational efficiency, improved living conditions for personnel, and the effective functioning of military institutions.” The Minister added that partnership with the energy sector would help the Ministry of Defence develop alternative and sustainable power solutions for barracks and other defence establishments.

Gen. Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to deepening collaboration with the science and technology community in areas of research, innovation, capacity building, and energy development that will strengthen national security and support the Armed Forces.

Earlier in his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, who came with three of the Director-Generals of the Agencies under his Ministry, namely, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and Energy Commission of Nigeria, highlighted that the Agencies under his supervision are much eager and ready to partner and work in line with the vision of the Ministry of Defence, considering their technological advancement in research. Each of the Director-General spoke extensively on the products they can offer in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.

Both Ministers agreed that stronger institutional partnerships will help harness Nigeria’s scientific potentials and translate research outcomes into practical solutions that support national development and security.

Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Directors from both Ministries, and Principal Officers in the Ministry.

Iheoma-Hart confirmed that the meeting marks a significant step toward fostering inter-ministerial cooperation for national development and security.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has called on the media across the country to be professional and responsible in their reportage and avoid dissemination of terrorist propaganda that is capable of demoralising troops and giving undue publicity to criminal elements.

In a statement, the Director, Press and Public relations, Queenet Iheoma-Hart, said the Minister made this call while addressing journalists after a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, as they review operational strategies across various theatres of operation in the country.

Gen. Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity threatening national stability. He declared that “the military has recorded some casualties in the line of duty, the security forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several of their commanders and destruction of their assets.”

While pledging the military’s commitment to defeating all threats to peace and unity of the nation, Gen. Musa urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations. He emphasized that addressing insecurity requires collective effort. He noted that individuals who aid criminal groups with information or logistics would be treated as accomplices and dealt with accordingly.

The Defence Minister further reassured Nigerians that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and security across the country.

According to Iheoma-Hart, present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede; Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Udieandeye.

The hierarchy of the Nigerian Armed Forces has convened to reassess its operational strategies in response to recent security setbacks across multiple theatres.

The high-level meeting, called by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, brought together all Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Speaking on the outcomes, Gen. Musa confirmed that military installations had come under recent attacks but emphasized that terrorist casualties have been significantly higher.

He urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the military’s capabilities and issued a stern warning to collaborators and logistic supporters of terrorist groups, stating that they would be apprehended promptly.

The armed forces have intensified operations in high-risk areas, including the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, Mandara Mountains, and the Lake Chad Basin.

This development follows the loss of at least three commanding officers in charge of forward operational bases due to attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at separate locations in Borno State over a seven-day period.