By Olayemi Esan
.... President Tinubu Charges Military, Police, and Intelligence Agencies to Strengthen Collaboration"
To effectively address the security landscape of modern nations which is increasingly complex, with threats emanating from diverse sources, including insurgency, militancy, and ethnoreligious conflicts, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared open the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2025 in Abuja for knowledge sharing, strategy development, and relationship building.
The Conference, which plays a vital role in enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of JTFs themed, "ENHANCING JOINTNESS ACROSS ALL THEATRES OF OPERATIONS". These conference significantly boost the operational efficiency and success of JTFs in achieving their security objectives.
The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON affirmed that the forum is expedient and timely especially at this time when the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. "Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats.
"It is for this reason that the theme of this Conference resonates deeply with me. As it is only through jointness, synergy and cooperation that we can leverage our collective strengths and unique capabilities to present a unified front against all threats to our nation," he said
He added that beyond the jointness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, it is vital for us to explore effective integration of the military, police, intelligence and security agencies. Such an integrated approach will further strengthen our resolve to attain stipulated strategic objectives.
President Tinubu also applauded the tremendous efforts of the Armed Forces. He commended the various joint task forces and security agencies operating across the country for demonstrating the tenacity to bring all armed criminals to book. This, according to the President has been instrumental in ensuring peace and stability within our country.
He therefore assured them that he prioritized Nigeria's security and will remain committed to supporting our Armed Forces and other security and para-military agencies indischarging assigned tasks and responsibilities.
"Equally, I am delighted that this conference provides a unique forum for all Services Chiefs and Commanders of the Joint Task Forces to re-evaluate their operations, re-strategize and chart better ways for more effective performance," he noted
President Tinubu urged them to holistically explore in detail the concept of jointness while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation. He further implored them to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa commended the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of officers and men across the various Joint Task Forces. He said their relentless efforts in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats have not gone unnoticed.
General Musa noted that the successes recorded in recent operations are a testament to their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty. He said they have demonstrated that through unity of purpose and effective collaboration, they can achieve remarkable results.
He charged them to remain vigilant as they celebrate these achievements. The security landscape continues to evolve, presenting new and complex challenges. Evolving threats, such as the employment of armed drones, transnational crimes, and the proliferation of improvised explosive devices, demand innovative and adaptive responses.
"This conference is, therefore, an opportunity to critically examine these challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them. We must leverage technology, enhance intelligence-sharing, and strengthen interagency cooperation to stay ahead of these threats.
"As we deliberate over the next few days, let us keep in mind the trust reposed in us by the Nigerian people. They look up to us to protect their lives, properties, and freedoms. We must not fail them. Let us approach this conference with open minds, a willingness to learn, and a determination to innovate.
"Let us leave here with a clear roadmap for addressing the security challenges of our time. I will surely expect that we will engage in robust discussions, ask questions and challenge any assumption to forge more effective paths for our ongoing operations," he said
Earlier, in Welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru said the time for increased and sustained interference between the Ministry of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Defence Officers is now, as it offers immense opportunity for more strategic guidelines in the context of operations. This interface has been crucial to operational success nationwide.
He said the purpose of this conference is, therefore, To provide an opportunity for a strategic evaluation of the national security landscape, And also ongoing operations nationwide, To chart a new course towards addressing national security challenges.
Key issues would include force structure, particularly as regards size and manpower, Force posture, margin tax resources, and also progressive states. The situations in the Sahel and the Jaffa region, And how we will pass an operation, will also be discussed.
SpyeTV News reports that the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference has become a crucial component of national security strategies by bringing together multiple security agencies and stakeholders to facilitate a coordinated and unified response to security threats.
At the conference was the Honourable Minister of Defence, The Honourable Chairman, Senate and House Committee on Defence, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament, The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Army Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and the Chief of the Air Staff and the Inspector-General of Police, Former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Heads of Parliamentary Organisations, Director General, National Defence Agency, The DG, Department of Defence Services, The Chief of Defence Intelligence, The Commandant General, and their Secretary of Civil Defence, The Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
