President Tinubu meets Defence Minister as nation mourns military air crash victims

By Chuks Oyema-Aziken

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, at the Presidential Residence in Lagos for a high-level strategic meeting focused on national security and ongoing military operations across the country.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the meeting reviewed the nation’s defence framework, assessed progress in counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations, and examined measures aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration to sustain peace and security nationwide.

According to the statement, President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the steady gains being recorded in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces with the support required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

The Defence Minister briefed the President on current defence initiatives, operational logistics, and proposed reforms designed to enhance troop welfare, modernise military hardware, and improve infrastructure across the Armed Forces.

General Musa also conveyed appreciation to the President for his continued guidance and support for the nation’s security architecture, assuring Nigerians that the Ministry remains committed to executing its mandate with professionalism, integrity, and determination.

The meeting formed part of the President’s regular security consultations with key government officials aimed at ensuring coordinated and decisive responses to security and economic challenges facing the country.

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister has expressed profound grief over the tragic crash of military aircraft NAF 931, which claimed the lives of military personnel and civilians on board.

In a statement issued in Abuja, General Musa described the deceased officers and airmen as brave patriots who died in service to the nation while carrying out a routine flight mission. He said their sacrifice represented the highest ideals of military professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria.

The Minister extended condolences to President Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the families of the victims, assuring them that the nation shares in their grief.

He also sympathised with the families of the civilian passengers who lost their lives in the crash, noting that the tragedy was a painful loss for the entire country.

General Musa disclosed that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the cause of the crash and strengthen operational safety measures within military aviation units to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and urged Nigerians to remember the fallen heroes for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to national service.

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