The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Tuesday paid a working visit to the frontline of the nation’s ongoing anti-terrorism campaign.
During the visit, the minister eulogised the troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI for their commitment and effort towards ensuring that peace is fully restored in North East Nigeria.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He said that the minister gave the commendation while addressing troops of JTF NE Operation HADIN KAI at the 212 Battalion parade ground in Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The minister disclosed that his visit to the frontline was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the challenges confronting troops in the frontline with a view to provide solutions.
He assured the troops of the president’s commitment towards ensuring that their welfare is a topmost priority of his government.
Nwachukwu said the Minister equally paid a visit to the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum in his office where he expressed appreciation on behalf of the Federal Government for his continuous support to the Nigerian military in their remarkable effort in the fight against the remnants of Boko Haram and their ISWAP counterparts.
“The Borno State Governor equally lauded the Federal Government for committing resources and the political will towards the restoration of peace in Borno state and the contiguous states.
“At the Headquarters Theatre Command, Defence Minister was briefed on the operational activities and security situation in the North East theatre by the Theatre Commander Major General Gold Chibuisi, after which he proceeded to pay a visit to wounded in action personnel receiving treatment at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital,” Nwachukwu said.
The defence minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
“Also, present during the visit were Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Services Headquarters, General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Component Commanders, Heads of Security Agencies and Paramilitary Organisations, amongst others,” the statement