Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to modernize Nigeria’s military, positioning it as a world-class force. Akpabio made the pledge during the inaugural high-level roundtable at the National Defence College (NDC) Irregular Warfare Centre in Abuja on April 10, 2025.
The roundtable focused on research findings from ongoing Joint Task Force operations in Nigeria, emphasizing the efforts to strengthen the country’s defense systems and improve regional security through collaborative research and strategic planning. Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, expressed full commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, highlighting the importance of equipping them with not just weapons, but training, innovation, and intelligence.
He underscored the critical need for professionalism and discipline within the military, calling for the implementation of research findings that would strengthen defense policies and foster deeper cooperation.
In his remarks, Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, represented by Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibril (Rtd), discussed the government’s holistic approach to tackling insecurity, acknowledging the limitations of a purely military solution and emphasizing the involvement of various societal sectors, including civil society organizations and the private sector.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, also highlighted the importance of joint task forces in maintaining peace in the North East, noting the need for improvements to continue achieving the goal of securing the country.
The NDC’s Commandant, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, explained that the Irregular War Centre, established in 2025, focuses on addressing irregular and hybrid threats through evidence-based research that informs public policies, strategies, and training to enhance the effectiveness of defense and security services.
The roundtable discussions reinforced the importance of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its military and security forces, with a shared focus on national security, the welfare of citizens, and long-term peace.
