NDA Commandant Lauds FG for Upgrading Academy’s Infrastructure
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General Abdulkhalifa Ibrahim, has commended the Federal Government for providing the necessary resources and upgrading the academy’s infrastructure. This was disclosed during a visit by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, to the NDA and other military institutions in Kaduna State.
During the two-day visit, Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in producing essential equipment for the armed forces, including MRAPs, UAVs, and other innovative technologies at the Command Engineering Depot. According to the Minister, the institutions are doing a “very good job” in carrying out the President’s instructions to conduct deep research and achieve self-sufficiency in military requirements.
The Minister specifically praised the production of MRAPs at the Engineering Depot, noting that the equipment are being produced locally. He also commended the workshop’s maintenance and repair capabilities, stating that most damaged MRAPs and tanks are being repaired there. Additionally, he appreciated the new Buffalo MRAP and other equipment built by the institutions.
Regarding the training of military officers, Abubakar emphasized the crucial role of the NDA in producing highly committed officers. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the NDA and ensuring that it has the necessary resources to train effective officers.
On security concerns, the Minister mentioned that the Federal Government is working to restore normalcy in areas affected by communal clashes and insurgency. In Birnin Gwari, he noted that kinetic and non-kinetic measures have been taken, stating that the situation has returned to normalcy. “Markets are open, and traffic is flowing freely,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged that some states are still experiencing small attacks and assured that the government is doing its best to address the issues. In Benue, where communal clashes between farmers and herders are a major concern, the Minister emphasized the need for a non-kinetic approach to appease the parties involved and prevent further attacks.
In the north-east, particularly in Borno, the Minister noted that the resurgence of Boko Haram requires a robust response, noting that the military is working to counter the threat. He expressed confidence in the military’s ability to tackle the new threat and restore normalcy, saying that the troops are doing “wonderfully well” and would continue to do so with the special grace of God and the public’s prayers.
During the visit, the Minister inspected ongoing construction projects and facilities, and interacted with senior officers at the NDA. The Minister also visited several key locations within the Academy, including the Hall of Fame, the Centre of Excellence (under construction), the Senate Building (under construction), the Postgraduate School, and the Centre for Innovation and Creativity.