The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has emphasized the strategic efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, to combat insecurity across the nation as a means of addressing the root causes of food insecurity.
Speaking at an event in Lagos titled “Food Security and Sports Diplomacy,” organized by the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in celebration of the United Nations World Nutrition Month, General Musa—represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi—outlined both kinetic and non-kinetic measures being undertaken by the military.
Kinetic Efforts
According to General Musa, the kinetic interventions include several ongoing military operations across various regions:
Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, aimed at countering Boko Haram insurgency.
Operation Fagge Yamma in the North West, targeting banditry and violent extremism.
Multinational Joint Task Force, a coalition involving countries in the Chad Basin, designed to enhance cross-border counter-terrorism efforts.
Operation Safe Haven in the Middle Belt, focused on tackling communal violence, herder-farmer clashes, and criminal banditry.
Operation Whirl Stroke, addressing the activities of armed bandits in Benue, Taraba, and parts of Niger State.
In the Niger Delta, efforts are directed at safeguarding oil infrastructure and suppressing militancy.
The Deep Blue Project, a maritime security initiative by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, designed to combat piracy and other illegal maritime activities.
Non-Kinetic Strategies
Beyond military action, General Musa highlighted the Armed Forces’ involvement in community-oriented, non-kinetic strategies, especially in the area of agriculture. Notably, the military has initiated “Defence Farms”—military-managed agricultural projects established in select regions to contribute to local food production and economic resilience.
He explained that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader campaign to mitigate food insecurity and reflects the military’s commitment to leveraging sports and community engagement as tools for peacebuilding.
Importance of Nutrition and Diplomacy
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, the convener of the programme and Chairman of Lagos SWAN, underscored the critical role of food nutrition and hygiene in the development of children and society at large.
She stressed that embracing proper nutrition and hygiene is not only fundamental to health but also a human right that underpins the ability to live well, achieve dreams, and attain happiness and success.
Ambassador Oladunni further noted that sports diplomacy and international cultural engagement continue to serve as key instruments in promoting peace, economic growth, and investment through enhanced cultural understanding and cooperation among nations.
