The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a professional, resilient and modern Armed Forces capable of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Musa stated this in Abuja at a National Symposium and Lecture Series organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
According to the minister, Nigeria is witnessing the emergence of a more self-reliant, transparent and technology-driven defence system that effectively integrates modern technology with local expertise. He said the ongoing reforms in the defence sector are aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing accountability within the Armed Forces.
He assured Nigerians that the operational successes recorded by the military across various theatres of operation would be sustained, stressing that the Armed Forces of Nigeria possess the capacity and resolve to defeat enemies of the state and safeguard lives and property.
“The Federal Government remains committed to building an Armed Forces that is not only professional and resilient, but also capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges while supporting national growth and development,” the minister said.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Richard Pheelangwa, described the occasion as a solemn reminder that the strength of any nation lies not only in its weapons or military might, but in sacrifice, shared values and an unwavering commitment to national service.
Pheelangwa reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to the Nigerian people and the global community, noting that Nigeria will continue to uphold peace, stability and professionalism in defence and security engagements.
In a keynote paper titled “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development,” former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), highlighted the broader contributions of the military beyond kinetic operations.
Buratai said the Armed Forces have played critical roles in national development by supporting local production, engaging in engineering and agricultural activities, and creating a peaceful environment that allows businesses and other socio-economic activities to thrive.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to further strengthen, train and equip the Nigeria Police Force to improve its capacity in internal and international security management. According to him, this would enable the military to refocus primarily on its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The symposium brought together senior military officers, retired service chiefs, defence experts and policymakers to reflect on the evolving role of the Armed Forces in national security and development.
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