The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces, in partnership with other security agencies, have made important efforts in addressing insecurity as part of efforts to achieve food security.

Speaking at an event in Lagos, tagged ‘Food Security and Sports Diplomacy’, organised by Lagos State Sports Writers Association, he noted that the imperative of food security cannot be overstated.

The event was held in commemoration of the United Nations World Nutrition month. Represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, Musa said the efforts were kinetic and non-kinetic in nature.

“Some of these kinetic efforts include the counter insurgency operation, that is Operation Hardin Kunama against Boko Haram in the North East; Operation Fansan Yamma in North West, the Multinational Joint Task Force set up involving countries in Chad Basin; Operation Safe Haven to tackle communal violence, herders and farmers clash and banditry in the Middle Belt; Operation Whirl Stroke specially commissioned to combat armed bandits in Benue and Taraba states and also in Niger Delta to protect our oil installations, prevent and combat militancy and finally the Deep Blue Sea Operation, a security initiative launched by NIMASA in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

On the non-kinetic operation, he said the armed forces in partnership with local communities, has launched the defence farm by establishing military managed farms in some areas.

“This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts aimed at addressing food insecurity and challenges; and reflects the military’s commitment to sports as a tool to promote peace and community engagement.”

In her opening speech, Convener of the programme and Chairman, Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, said food nutrition and hygiene play vital roles in every child’s endeavour.

He added: “But imbibing basic hygiene measures and nutritional needs is more essential. Embracing healthy and safe nutrition gives right to life, right to live well, right to security, right to safety, right to good health, right to dream big and aspire well, right to happiness and right to become successful.”