The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, has stated that the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to restore normalcy in areas affected by communal clashes and insurgency.
Badaru made this known during a two-day working visit which commenced on Tuesday to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Command Engineering Depot in Rigachikun, and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), all in Kaduna.
The minister said that in Birnin Gwari, a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies had been employed, resulting in a return to relative peace.
“Markets are opening, and traffic is flowing freely,” Badaru said.
He acknowledged that certain states were still experiencing sporadic attacks, but assured the public that the government was actively addressing the situation.
Speaking on Benue State, where farmer-herder clashes have been a persistent issue, the minister stressed the importance of non-kinetic approaches to calm tensions and prevent further violence.
He also highlighted the situation in the North-East, particularly Borno State, where there has been a resurgence of Boko Haram activities. Badaru said the military was responding decisively.
He expressed confidence in the armed forces’ capability to confront the renewed threat.
“The troops are doing wonderfully well and would continue to do so with the special grace of God and the public’s prayers,” he said.
The minister further commended the strides in research and development at military institutions in Kaduna. He expressed satisfaction with progress in the local production of vital military equipment such as MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and other innovative technologies at the Command Engineering Depot.
According to him, the institutions are “doing a very good job” in implementing the President’s directive to pursue in-depth research and achieve self-sufficiency in defence needs.
He specifically praised the Engineering Depot for its local production of MRAPs and its capability to maintain and repair damaged vehicles.
He noted that “most damaged MRAPs and tanks are being repaired there,” and appreciated the development of the new Buffalo MRAP and other indigenous equipment.
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On the training of military personnel, Badaru underscored the vital role of the Nigerian Defence Academy in producing disciplined and dedicated officers. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for the NDA and its commitment to providing the resources required to enhance officer training.
On the first day of the visit, the minister inspected ongoing construction works and facilities at the NDA, and interacted with senior officers.
He toured several notable sites within the academy, including the Hall of Fame, the Centre of Excellence, the Senate Building (all under construction), the Postgraduate School, and the Centre for Innovation and Creativity.
At the NDA, the Commandant, Major-General Abdulkhalifa Ibrahim, briefed the minister on the institution’s academic and operational activities, and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for supporting the academy and upgrading its infrastructure.
