Discipline can quell Terrorism, Defence Minister tells Attachés

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali has observed that with a disciplined force the Nigerian Armed Forces can quell all acts of terrorism. He said this at the 7th Annual Conference of the nation’s Defence Attachés which held at the Defence Intelligence Agency in Abuja lately.

He commended President Mohammadu Buhari for relocating the military high command to the ‘war zone’, adding that this has helped in reducing the high rate of terrorism in the country. Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali added that the theme for this year’s Conference – ‘Enhancing the Defence Attachés System Towards Sustainable National Security in Nigeria’ is appropriate considering the security situation that the country has found itself.

He explained that the President’s recent shuttle to the UK, France, USA, G8 and the United Nations has deepened further, the nation’s bilateral relations with those countries with the aim of confronting global terrorism. According to him, more of such conferences can lead to the cross – fertilization of ideas on defence issues and proffer solution to current national/international terrorism. He also advocated for an Independent Defence Policy for the nation.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Danjuma Sheni presented a progress report based on the Defence Attachés’ Annual Conference 2014 Communique and concluded that the year 2015 has recorded a lot of achievements.

Also speaking earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Monday Rico Morgan said that the fight against insurgency requires a new global approach. “To succeed, there must be effective intelligence, communication and networking of Defence Attachés with their host countries,” he stressed.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and Service Chiefs as well as the Representative of the Inspector General of Police and other diplomats were present at the function.

ABUJA (Federal Ministry of Defence Report)