Defence Minister Urges New Service Chiefs To Synergise Against Insecurity

The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to work in synergy and develop a coordinated strategy to tackle insecurity and safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Badaru gave the charge on Tuesday when he received the Service Chiefs on a maiden courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja.

Those in attendance included the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. O. O. Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke.

In a statement issued by the Minister’s office, Badaru reaffirmed his commitment to fostering collaboration within the Armed Forces in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a stronger and more efficient military.

“The visit underscores the Minister’s resolve to build a cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose,” the statement read.

Badaru emphasised that unity among the security services is crucial to addressing the country’s complex and evolving security threats.

“We must work as one team, guided by a well-coordinated strategy to safeguard our sovereignty and advance our national security priorities,” he said.

The meeting came a day after President Tinubu held a closed-door session with the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he urged them to demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and renewed dedication in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“You must justify the confidence reposed in you by promoting professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces,” Tinubu charged.

The President also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other retired officers for what he described as their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership.”