The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni has stressed the need for collaboration between the military and civilian in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the country.
Dr. Kana disclosed this on Monday when he received Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, who led the new service chiefs on a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Defence at ship house, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary told the visiting CDS and service chiefs that the Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting the government by contributing to the growth of the economy and in ensuring peace all over the nation.
Dr. Kana disclosed this on Monday when he received Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, who led the new service chiefs on a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Defence at ship house, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary told the visiting CDS and service chiefs that the Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting the government by contributing to the growth of the economy and in ensuring peace all over the nation.
He explained that to effectively achieve the President’s mandate of restoration of peace in the country, the Military and civilians must work closely. He added that interagency cooperation among the Services and the civilian component of the Ministry will fast track the mandate of Mr. President in assuring Nigerians that there will be peace across the country.
Dr. Kana reiterated the ongoing reforms of the Ministry and the Armed Forces, which were initiated during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. He emphasized the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to collaborate with the military hierarchy in driving these reforms forward.He said: “We will continue to carry the military hierarchy along in the implementation of some reforms earmarked by the President. I will say that the service chiefs have started on a very good note, because the President had made his mandate very clear and what he wants to achieve.”
According to Dr. Kana, the reform initiatives encompass various aspects including the establishment of the Octagon; a platform that fosters civilian-military collaboration to enhance national security. He likened it to the Pentagon in the United States, highlighting the goal of joint efforts in providing security force in Nigeria.
Additionally, he said that the Ministry is dedicated to the development of Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex (MIC) through Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The initiative that will promote local development, create employment and guarantee self-sufficiency in arms, ammunition, and the military hardware production supporting both the economy and national security.
He congratulated them on their new appointments and called for their total loyalty to the government and the people of Nigeria saying “to whom much is given much is expected.”
The newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff Major General Christopher Musa (CDS) reiterated the position of the Permanent Secretary and stressed the need for cooperation between the Military and civilian in the fight against terrorism and other social vices in the country.To achieve this feast, he solicited the support of the members of the general public by reporting any perceived criminal tendencies in their localities.
He harped on professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties to the nation saying: “our operations will be guided by the rules of law, total regard for human rights. The Armed Forces belong to Nigeria, without Nigerians there can be no Armed Forces of Nigeria. So we are appealing for total support of the members of the general public.”
Victoria Agba-Attah Director (Press & PR )26th June, 2023
