Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced that the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, have made notable progress in tackling food insecurity across the country. He made this statement at a recent event in Lagos titled “Food Security and Sports Diplomacy,” organized by the Lagos State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in honor of the United Nations World Nutrition Month.
General Musa, represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, highlighted both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts aimed at addressing the issue. Key operations mentioned included:
- Operation Hardin Kunama: A counter-insurgency initiative against Boko Haram in the North East.
- Operation Fansan Yamma: Targeting security challenges in the North West.
- Multinational Joint Task Force: Involving countries around the Chad Basin.
- Operation Safe Haven: Addressing communal violence and clashes between herders and farmers in the Middle Belt.
- Operation Whirl Stroke: Focused on combating armed banditry in Benue, Taraba, and Niger Delta regions.
- Deep Blue Sea Operation: A collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to secure maritime areas.
In addition to these kinetic efforts, General Musa emphasized non-kinetic operations where the military collaborates with local communities. The establishment of military-managed farms is part of the Defense Farm initiative, aligning with the Federal Government’s objectives to combat food insecurity.
Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, the event’s convener and Chairman of Lagos SWAN, stressed the importance of nutrition and hygiene for children’s well-being. She emphasized that embracing healthy nutrition is essential for life, security, and overall success.
As the discussion on food security continues, General Musa’s remarks underscore the military’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of food insecurity while promoting peace and community engagement through sports and other initiatives.
