By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has urged Nigeria’s security institutions to adopt a “Seamless Intelligence–Operations Integration Framework” as part of a renewed strategy to combat the nation’s evolving security challenges.
Badaru made the call while addressing participants at the 2025 Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Annual Conference, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja. The gathering brought together Defence Attachés, intelligence analysts, senior military personnel, and international security partners.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Multi-Source Intelligence and Innovation in a Changing National Security Ecosystem,” the Minister conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill and reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity through enhanced intelligence coordination.
He warned that with the rise of terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and other asymmetric threats, Nigeria must embrace innovative, multi-dimensional intelligence strategies.
Badaru highlighted initiatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)—including Joint Intelligence Fusion and expanded cyber-monitoring capabilities—which he described as critical force multipliers in securing the nation.
Despite technological advancements, Badaru stressed that the country’s greatest asset remains its people, calling for continuous capacity development, advanced training, and strengthened professional competence within the security architecture.
Outlining priority areas, he emphasized the importance of real-time intelligence sharing, improved regional cooperation—particularly in cross-border surveillance and maritime security—and deeper inter-agency synergy.
He urged participants to “think boldly and propose innovative solutions that deliver real impact,” assuring them of federal support in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which connects national security with sustainable economic growth.
Badaru concluded by commending the Chief of Defence Intelligence and his team for their commitment and encouraged delegates to engage in robust, forward-looking deliberations throughout the conference.
