DEFENCE MINISTERS, CDS VISIT NIGERIA'S FRONT LINE TROOPS IN NORTHEAST

Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru inspecting a Guard of Honour when he visited front line troops in the Northeast

"The purpose of the visit was to access the security situations in the state and to also, rub minds with the State Governor on the way forward." Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru.

The Minister of Defence Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, alongside the Minister of State, Dr Bello Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabjn Musa today, visited front line troops in the North East. 

Alhaji Badaru, while speaking at the Borno State Government House, revealed that the purpose of the visit was to access the security situations in the state and to also, rub minds with the State Governor on the way forward. 

He assured the people of Borno state of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu readiness to address all related security issues in the state and the nation in general.

In his response, the Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum thanked the Ministers of Defence and the CDS for the visit and assured of the state continuous support to the Federal Government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in particular so that security challenges in the state can be addressed.

Prof Zulum pleaded for more support to  Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in terms of additional manpower and platforms.

The State Governor also spoke on the need to clear Lake Chad so that it can be utilized to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

The Defence Ministers and the Chief of Defence Staff, were also at Headquarters  of the Theatre Command of OPHK where they received briefing from the outgoing Theatre Commander, Major General Waidu Shaibu on the operational activities, achievements, and challenges of the  Theatre Command. 

The CDS, General Christopher Gabwin Musa who spoke on behalf of the ministers, thanked officers and men of OPHK while charging them to do more in order to address the lingering security challenges confronting the North East. 

In a related development, the Defence Minister addressed troops at 212 Battalion Maiduguri. He further conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assured them of the administration's desire to ensure all their operational needs were provided.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information.