By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has tasked the nation’s security architecture with adopting a seamless intelligence operations I integration framework to effectively counter contemporary security challenges.
The Minister issued this charge while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Annual Conference in Abuja.
The event gathered Defence Attachés, intelligence experts, senior military officials, and international partners under the theme, “Multi-Source Intelligence and Innovation in a Changing National Security Ecosystem.”
Speaking on Monday at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Minister Abubakar conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty through robust intelligence management.
He noted that in the face of evolving threats including terrorism, banditry, and cybercrime, innovative intelligence management is non-negotiable.
The Minister further highlighted specific advancements by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), citing the Joint Intelligence Fusion and enhanced cyber monitoring capabilities as essential force multipliers for national security.
However, he firmly reiterated that Nigeria’s ultimate intelligence strength lies in its people, advocating for continuous training and capacity building.
Outlining key strategic priorities, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for real-time data exchange, enhanced regional collaboration on cross-border intelligence and maritime security, and stronger inter-agency synergy.
He encouraged participants to “think boldly and propose innovative solutions that deliver real impact,” assuring them of the administration’s full support in aligning these efforts with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which links national security directly to economic development.
“Through vigilance and unity of purpose, we will strengthen Nigeria’s security foundations,” he declared, commending the Chief of Defence Intelligence and his team for their dedication.