The
Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) has praised the efforts of the
Minister of Defence for the victories recorded in the fight against insecurity
in Nigeria. This is a culmination of victories being recorded by the Armed
Forces of Nigeria over insecurity.
The
Chairman of Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) and the Director General
of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Comrade Salihu Dembos who was
represented by BON Vice- Chairman, High Chief Tony Akiotu stated this during a
courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Defence in Ship House, Abuja.
High
Chief Tony Akiotu praised the Minister's efforts in combating insecurity saying
that: "The new collaboration has helped curb insurgents and banditry
across the country."
"As
a foremost media body in Nigeria with members in over 500 licensed tv and radio
stations in the 36 states and Abuja, we have observed the continuous victory of
Armed Forces of Nigeria are recording over insecurity and the continuous arrest
of high profile bandits in the last one year, with the Ministry of Defence and
security agencies using kinetic and non- kinetic strategies to subdue
insurgency," this is highly commendable he said.
Furthermore,
"BON will like to commend members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for it
enormous sacrifice it has made to ensure the security and peace of all and
sundry in Nigeria," he said.
In
his response, the Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar,
CON, mni, highlighted the significant progress Nigeria has made in the fight
against insurgency while leveraging on the collaborative efforts of the
Nigerian Military and other agencies.
Badaru
expressed appreciation for the media’s role in informing the public and shaping
national discourse, particularly in matters of security.
Furthermore,
he acknowledged the importance of the synergy between the Armed Forces and
other security agencies in curbing insurgency and banditry across the country,
emphasizing the role of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in recent
military successes.
“Our
Armed Forces have demonstrated unparalleled commitment in addressing the
security challenges we face, and we are witnessing significant victories.
Insurgents are being neutralized, and high-profile bandits are being arrested.
These efforts have not only led to greater security but have also restored
confidence across affected regions,” he stated.
The
Minister further noted that security breaches have reduced significantly due to
enhanced military operations, and he commended the continued collaboration
between security agencies. “Our goal is to ensure that peace and stability are
not just restored but maintained,” he added.
In
response to BON’s proposal for collaboration in training and capacity building
for broadcast media, the Minister expressed readiness to work closely with the
organisation, recognizing the media as a critical partner in promoting national
security. “Together, we can harness the power of radio and television to
inform, educate, and promote security objectives,” he remarked.
This
courtesy visit reaffirms the shared commitment between the Ministry of Defence
and the media to foster peace and stability in Nigeria.