The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E.Mohammed Badaru Abubakar , has commended the troops for their efforts in securing Kaduna State and making the Kaduna/Birnin Gwari road safe.

This commendation was contained in a release signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director (Information and Public Relations).

The Minister made the commendation during his two-day operational visit to Kaduna, the Minister visited various military formations, including the Headquarters Sub-Sector 3 Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma Birnin Gwari, 1 Division Area of Responsibility, Pole Wire Military Camp, and the Air Training Command of the Nigeria Air Force.

The Minister praised the troops for their resilience and hard work, which has led to significant security improvements in Birnin Gwari. “For the last six months, we have not heard of any kidnapping or ambush of civilians, aside from one or two engagements with bandits by the troops,” he said. “This is commendable, and I thank you on behalf of Mr. President, who is aware of the good work and has asked me to encourage you to continue and end the menace of banditry and other forms of criminalities.”

The Minister stated that his visit is to boost the morale of troops across military formations and to assess the operational capacity and strategic coordination to ensure enduring peace and stability in the region.

He acknowledged the significant security improvements in Birnin Gwari and charged them to sustain the fight against insecurity in the region.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the significant achievements they have recorded so far and charged them not to relent. He said: “As you all know, your efforts is crucial to the development of our nation. Security is Paramount to the development of any nation and what you are doing is key to Nigeria’s development. We all have to leave a peaceful and prosperous nation for our children and grand children.”

Speaking on the Troop’s Commitment, the representatives of the troops pledged their unwavering commitment to fighting insurgency and banditry.

The Chief of Staff, Section 1, Brigadier-General SS Shehu, assured the Minister of the division’s commitment to stemming prevailing threats by terrorists. Also, the Commanding Officer of Sub-Sector 3 Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma Birnin Gwari, Lt. Col. A Abdullahi, promised to sustain professionalism and maintain a secure security situation.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has found himself at the center of both political storms and commendations as he navigates Nigeria’s complex security challenges, particularly in Zamfara State. Known for his relentless commitment to fighting banditry, Matawalle’s actions in defense of Nigeria’s security are increasingly being politicized. Yet, his determination to see an end to the region’s ongoing violence remains undeterred.

This is contained in the release signed by Malam Haruna Garba Public Analyst.
As a former governor of Zamfara and a key figure in the war against banditry, Matawalle has a unique understanding of the local terrain and the root causes of the insecurity plaguing the region. Since he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Matawalle has made significant strides in addressing the bandit crisis in Zamfara.

One of his most notable successes was the elimination of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu, achieved through coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. Matawalle’s proactive leadership, including his regular visits to the Sokoto base of Operation Hadarin Daji to boost troop morale, reflects his hands-on approach to combating the insurgency.

However, Matawalle’s efforts have been met with political jealousy, as critics, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),have been attempting to discredit his good work. Instead of focusing on the urgent need to restore peace and security, the PDP has been viewing his progressive actions with myopic negativity tainted with unfounded allegations, turning a critical national security issue into a political battleground. This politicization, as pointed out by various commentators like Usman Abdullahi, distracts from the real issues at hand—finding lasting solutions to the insecurity in Zamfara.

Matawalle’s critics, particularly those within the political establishment, fear his growing influence and popularity among the Northern masses. His commitment to dismantling the networks of bandits and illegal mining operators, who have long exploited the region’s resources and created chaos, poses a direct threat to those who benefit from the instability. This explains the vigorous attempts to undermine him, but Matawalle remains focused on his mission.

The urgency of Zamfara’s situation cannot be overstated. The human cost of banditry is staggering, with communities devastated by kidnappings, murders, and forced displacement. The region’s socio-economic fabric is unraveling, with farmers unable to work in their fields, children kept from schools, and health services in disarray. While political distractions continue to cloud the security debate, Matawalle’s strategy—focusing on boosting troop readiness and eliminating key criminal figures—offers a glimpse of hope.

Matawalle’s critics may continue their campaign against him, but the facts on the ground are clear: the fight against banditry is far from over, and the stakes for the people of Zamfara are higher than ever. If his critics put aside partisan politics and unite to support ongoing security efforts, there is a real possibility that Zamfara could finally see peace. In the meantime, Matawalle’s resolve to bring an end to the bandit crisis remains as strong as ever. His commitment to a secure, peaceful Zamfara is a testament to his leadership and patriotism in the face of both political opposition and security threats.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s dedication to tackling and eliminating security challenges nationwide.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Director Information and Public Relations.

While speaking with newsmen after his courtesy call to Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, during which Minister Badaru conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives. He highlighted effective strategies to curb insecurity in the North-West region and nationwide, emphasizing consultations and engagements with Armed forces, stakeholders, and affected communities.

“This collaborative approach will enable the review of operational strategies and implement positive changes to enhance security,” he said.

Minister Badaru who is on a two-day visit to Kaduna state will visit the Headquarters of sub- sector 3 and section 1 Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma Birnin Gwari Kaduna State, to boost troops’ morale.

Governor Sani commended Minister Badaru, noting the Joint Military Command demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to regional security. He urged the Minister to consider bringing Operation Safe Haven under 1 Division, Kaduna, and praised progress on Operation Safe Corridor

The Governor highlighted the importance of the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to coordinate joint efforts against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements .

The Honourable Minister of Defence,His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Jigawa State following the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area.

The devastating incident, which occurred last Tuesday night, claimed the lives of more than 90 people and left over 50 others injured . The Minister expressed his deep sadness and sympathized with the families of the victims.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic fuel tanker explosion that claimed precious lives and left many injured. My heart goes out to the people of Jigawa State during this difficult time. I pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may Almighty God grant their families the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the injured recover quickly and fully, the Minister said.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H. E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s military capabilities through enhanced Research and Development (R&D).

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Director (Information and Public Relations)

Speaking at the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) Annual Seminar and Exhibition in Abuja, the Minister stressed the importance of leveraging local innovation to overcome the challenges posed by global and regional security threats.

Addressing the audience as the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister said: “Our national security strategy acknowledges the vital role of innovation in fostering a secured and prosperous nation. To effectively respond to today’s dynamic threats, we must integrate a Military Industrial Complex that promotes self-reliance and local production of military equipment.” He further highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the President’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s defence production capacity through the DICON Bill of 2023.

The seminar, themed “Enhancing Synergy in R&D Towards a Robust Military Industrial Complex in Nigeria”, is aimed to promote collaboration among stakeholders in the defence sector. The Minister underscored the critical need for synergy, stating that R&D is the backbone of any successful Military Industrial Complex. “It is through collaboration and cooperation that we can harness cutting-edge technologies and stay ahead of emerging threats,” he explained.

Consequently, he said the Ministry will continue to support DRDB’s efforts to develop indigenous military technology, stating that: “We are committed to fostering policies that encourage private sector participation and capacity building in defence research. Together, we will build a self-reliant nation with a strong defence posture.”

…Says his visit is to boost the morale of the Officers of the Battalion

As part of his maiden visit to the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, visited the 146 Battalion (Main) Bonny Island to boost the morale of the officers serving under the unit.

The Minister commended the battalion for their excellent work in safeguarding critical national infrastructure, particularly the Trans Niger Pipelines (TNP).

“The successes recorded in protecting the TNP in your area of responsibility demonstrate the excellent work you are doing,” he stated. “The maximum protection of the pipelines under your watch is commendable, and I urge you to sustain it.”

The Minister also praised the battalion for sustaining operations against economic sabotage, oil theft, and illegal refineries. “It is gratifying to see that the TNP has no encumbrances ,I urge your unit to maintain this achievement.”

Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel OA Oyewumi, Officer Commanding (OC) of 146 Battalion Main Bonny Island, briefed Minister Badaru on the battalion’s activities.

Oyewumi emphasized the importance of protecting the TNP, which transports crude oil daily without third party interference.

He highlighted the unit’s successes in safeguarding critical national infrastructure, including the TNP in Nembe Creek Trunk Line and other key oil and gas installations, as well as intercepting pipeline vandalism attempts.

…Says Operation Delta Safe action is yielding result as there is increase in oil production

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar , has commended the operations of the Headquarters 6 Division/ Land Component Joint Task task Force South South Operation Delta Safe for their continued fight against oil theft and other forms of criminalities in the region saying the increase in oil production is a testament to the sustained fight by the special task force.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director Information and Public Relations

The Minister gave the commendation during his maiden visit to the Headquarters of Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt.

Badaru highlighted the efforts of the Operation Delta Safe, the Chief of Defence Staff and more importantly the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the fight against oil theft that has been ravaging the nation.

He re-emphasized the need for joint efforts in fighting this menace saying that the hope of Nigerians is for the oil to drive the nation to prosperity . “What we are doing today is to commend the troops and encourage them to do more and put an end to oil theft in the region,” he said.

The Minister reaffirmed his confidence that with the detailed plan agreed by the Chief of Defence Staff, there is hope of defeating the crime of oil theft in the region. “Certainly, we are seeing progress. Oil production has increased and it will continue to increase and I assure you that before the end of this year you will see tremendous increase in oil production,” he said.

Consequently, the Minister urged the Operation Delta Safe to intensify and enhance extant measures in the Niger Delta region to ensure increased oil production .

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major-General JH Abdussalam while briefing the Honourable Minister on the activities of the 6 Division/ Land Component Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe said that they have strengthened the fighting capability of the troops and have put up robust joint measures to thwart the activities of oil thieves as well as denying freedom of action of some criminal groups like IPOB/ESE.

He restated the Task Force’s commitment to sustain the anti- oil theft operations until the Federal Government target of 2 million barrels per day is achieved by December 2024.