The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has said that Nigeria’s plan to provide strategic SEALIFT capacity generation to the African Union Commission (AUC) is a demonstration of our Military capabilities.

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

According to the Minister, the move has further demonstrated Nigeria’s capabilities and capacity to contribute significantly to the movement of military equipment, heavy hardware, relief materials, and troops within the continent and beyond.

During a meeting with the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding on African Union Strategic Sealift capacity at Ship House, Abuja, the Minister emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in commanding and controlling the asset, as well as providing escort services. “It is our asset, and it is befitting that we direct it,” he stated.

The Minister commended the committee’s efforts in achieving results that will showcase Nigeria’s capabilities to the world.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR commitment in projecting Nigeria’s efforts in the African Union peace and security initiatives. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s role in advancing collective security efforts across Africa.

Dr. Matawalle said the Ministry of Defence will support the committee to succeed in their task. “I think the committee is doing a good work,” he said.

Ambassador Innocent A. Iwejuo, leader of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, thanked the Minister for the audience and briefed him on the reviewed draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Nigeria and the AUC.

Furthermore, he said the purpose of the visit was to brief the Honourable Minister on the progress of work done on the MoU and the forthcoming visit of the representatives of AUC to Nigeria.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to ECOWAS, ECOWAS National Unit, and the Nigerian Navy.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has extended his heartfelt sympathy to the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and the people of Borno State, following the devastating floods that have engulfed parts of Maiduguri, the state capital. The floods which have caused significant damage to properties and displaced many residents, adding to the challenges already faced by the state.

This commiseration was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr
Director (Information and Public Relations) Ministry of Defence.

My heartfelt sympathy goes to the people and government of Borno State at this trying period that flood has wrecked havoc in the state caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate flooding in Maiduguri, which has displaced families and caused untold hardship to the people of this great city. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” said Mohammed Badaru.

“I want to commend His Excellency Governor Zulum for the quick response and decisive actions taken to alleviate the suffering of the affected residents. The resilience of the Borno people in the face of adversity is remarkable, and I have no doubt that under Governor Zulum’s leadership, Maiduguri will recover swiftly from this disaster,” the Minister remarked.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru CON, mni, has emphasized the critical role Nigerian youths can play in national defence, security, and development.

Speaking on a lecture titled: “Leveraging Nigeria’s Digital Economy to Enhance National Security: Youth Empowerment and Job Creation,” delivered to the participants of Executive Course 46 National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, the Minister explored the relationship between youth empowerment, national security, and the digital economy, offering a progressive way forward.

He stressed that empowering youths through tailored government policies and programmes can unlock their potential as agents of positive change. He said that some of the empowerment programmes like Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), the Youth Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria (YISA), the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN), National Directorate of Employment (NDE) scheme and N-power can effectively turn the Nigerian Youths to agents national Development if they are well implemented.

He stated that with over 60% of Nigeria’s population under 25, there is the need to harness this demographic dividend. He cited examples of digital mobilization’s impact, including the Arab Spring and Nigeria’s #ENDSARS protests, and pointed out the importance of engaging youths constructively.

The Minister who was represented at the lecture by the Special Adviser (Technical) Major General A.T. Jibrin (Rtd) acknowledged past empowerment programs but noted their limitations. He urged strategists to ensure faithful implementation of government policies, emphasizing genuine youth empowerment as crucial for national defence and security.

He highlighted the vast opportunities for youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria’s digital economy, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, targeted interventions, and supportive policies to address issues like the digital divide, skills gap, and unemployment. “By investing in digital infrastructure, innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship, Nigeria can unlock the transformative power of its youth demographic dividend and drive sustainable economic growth, ensuring a safer and more secure future for its citizens,” he said.

***As CDS visits Theatre Of Operations

As part of the Operations visit to Sokoto State, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, PhD. The visit was a continuation of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the Northwest, with a particular focus on Sokoto State, which has faced significant challenges due to the activities of bandits and terrorists.

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

During the meeting at the Sokoto State Government House, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the Federal Government’s unwavering dedication to eradicating the security threats in the region. He reassured Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto and the people of Sokoto State that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR remains fully committed to supporting the military in their mission to secure the Northwest.

“The safety of the people of Sokoto, and indeed the entire Northwest, is a top priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President has made it clear that we must leave no stone unturned in our efforts to restore peace to this region. I am here today to reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to this cause and to assure you that our troops are receiving the full backing of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs,” stated Dr. Matawalle.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Matawalle visited the 8 Division Headquarters, where he met with the gallant troops of Operation Hadarin Daji. He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, OFR, and other senior military officers, the Minister reviewed the ongoing operations and conveyed a direct order from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to flush out the bandits and terrorists that have plagued the region.

“We recognize the critical importance of security in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our citizens. The troops are doing an credible job under challenging environmental circumstances, and I want to assure them that the Federal Government will continue to provide all necessary resources and strategic guidance to ensure the success of their mission,” Dr. Matawalle added.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s continued support and emphasized the importance of unity in tackling the security challenges facing Sokoto State. He advised the people of Sokoto State to desist from sharing fake information as this will not solve the issue of insecurity in the state and the zone.

“Let me thank Mr President for ordering you and other Security Chiefs to relocate to Sokoto State until we flush out these criminals. Hon Minister, you are tested, trusted and reliable and this your visit shows that insecurity will soon be over in sokoto state and North West zone. My government is fully committed to partnering with you to secure the lives and property of every citizen in this state. Security cannot be achieved without the active cooperation and relevant information from our citizens. Together, we can overcome this challenge,” Governor Aliyu affirmed.

“The people of Sokoto State can be rest assured that their safety and security are at the heart of this administration’s agenda. We will overcome these challenges, and together, we will secure a brighter, safer future for all Nigerians,” Gov. Aliyu concluded.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, MON, is in sokoto and has paid a crucial visit to the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto State. He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, OFR; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye; and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Brigadier General IA Ajose, alongside other very senior military officers.

The purpose of this high-level visit was to review the ongoing operations of 8 Division and has issued a direct charge to the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji: to intensify their efforts in flushing out bandits and terrorists from the region, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

During the visit, Dr. Matawalle expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in the Northwest. He commended the troops for their dedication and resilience in the face of challenging security operations and emphasized the importance of their mission in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

“The security of our nation is paramount, and the President has given a clear mandate that the bandits and terrorists threatening our peace must be flushed out. I am here today to reaffirm the Federal Government’s support and to urge you to remain relentless in your efforts. Your bravery and dedication are the backbone of our national security,” Dr. Matawalle stated.

He further encouraged the troops to leverage on the full support of the government and military leadership in their operations. “The Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs stand with you, providing the necessary resources and strategic guidance. We expect nothing less than total success in this operation. The safety and security of the people of Sokoto and the entire Northwest region depend on your effectiveness,” the Minister added.

Dr. Matawalle also took the opportunity to review the operational strategies in place and discussed ways to enhance the effectiveness of the ongoing military efforts. He assured the troops that the government will continue to provide all necessary support to ensure the success of Operation Hadarin Daji.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no doubt in your ability to deliver on this mission. Together, we will restore peace to our land and secure a brighter future for all Nigerians,” Dr. Matawalle concluded.

Earlier the Minister visited 8 Div Medical Facilities and Hospital in Giginya Barracks, Sokoto. Dr. Matawalle gave assurances of support to the facility with equipment thereby boosting the morale of patients in the facility.

***Says We can’t tolerate this any more….

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs.

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

Consequent to this the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out. These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

This incident happened in kwashabawa , Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state . This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly . We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities, Dr Matawalle stated. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.

The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.
Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces.
Matawalle further assured the people of sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara , kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces will not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits.

I will be on ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.
In addition, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence also called on the people of sokoto ,Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Security forces and he reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.

***Says MoU will strengthen both countries Defence Industry Cooperation

The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Arab Republic of Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen defence industry cooperation.

The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence Ship House Abuja, after a brief visit by the delegation to the office of the Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana mni, signed for Nigeria while the Assistant Minister of Defence of Egypt, Major General Walid Hamouda signed for Egypt.

The signing of the MoU is aimed at promoting deeper bilateral and defence cooperation in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations of the two countries.

Dr. Kana expressed optimism that the long history of robust relationship between Nigeria and Egypt would create lasting cooperation between both countries, adding that Nigeria has benefited a lot from Egypt in areas of intelligence sharing and training.

Earlier the leader of the delegation, the Assistant Minister of Defence of Egypt, Major General Walid Hamouda, expressed appreciation for the platform provided to sign the MoU.

He assured Nigeria of his country’s total commitment to abide by the articles contained in the signed document. He also appreciated the existing cordial relationship between Egypt and Nigeria.