The minister, who noted that the country was facing torrid times, said that the government and the citizens relied on the military to make the country safe and secure.
Badaru, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, spoke during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
He made the call following scrutiny of the tactics employed by the military and other security agencies after the heinous attacks in Plateau State that resulted in the killing of over 195 residents.
He said, “I must also remind you all that these are challenging times for our nation and the military. Therefore, the government and the good people of Nigeria will expect nothing short of professionalism and the best efforts with commensurate outputs on the part of the military.
“We must, therefore, review our strategies, techniques, tactics, and procedures to contain these challenges and assure our fellow citizens of their security and safety.”
The minister also urged the military to remain focused on the ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism, among others.
“Do not lose sight of the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and all other forms of criminality. Your mandate is to successfully execute all such operations necessary to preserve national security and territorial integrity,” he added.
Badaru, however, urged the newly promoted officers to redouble their efforts and ensure that all security threats were quickly brought to an end in the country.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the service could afford to fail Nigerians.
He said, “You must remember that we cannot afford to fall short of the expectations of all Nigerians. I, therefore, urge you to remember that failure should never be an option so long as your determination to succeed remains strong.”
