The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, on Saturday, 28th June 2025, chaired the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), held at the NIPSS Main Auditorium in Kuru, Jos. Themed “Towards a New Nigeria,” the event was hosted by the Plateau State Governor, H.E. Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government.

The occasion was attended by notable dignitaries including His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and AANI President, Amb. Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, alongside other distinguished alumni.

In his address, the Minister called on AANI members comprising professionals, policymakers, and security experts to sustain their contributions to national development. Also noted the significant strides made by the military, in synergy with other security agencies, in the fight against insecurity. “We have made meaningful progress in dismantling terrorist and bandit cells, neutralizing hundreds of insurgents and their notable leaders,” he stated.

Badaru further urged the Association to intensify its policy advocacy and support for national security reforms, emphasizing that the collective expertise of its members is vital to building a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. As a proud alumnus of SEC 28/2006, he expressed deep appreciation to the AANI EXCO for their unwavering dedication to national service, and called on all members to reaffirm their commitment to the Association’s ideals and to work together toward a better society and a brighter future for the nation.

The Honourable Minister then formally declared the 45th Annual General Meeting open.