***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.

***Praises Governor ‘s dedication to the welfare of the people..

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni paid a visit to Jigawa State Governor to commiserate with the state government over the recent flood that ravaged the state and which affected most part of the state and resulted to loss of life and properties of Jigawa citizens.

Badaru Abubakar expressed his sympathy over the flood incident , the severe flooding led to tragic loss of life , properties and destruction of farmlands across the state.

The Hon. Minister showed empathy with people and government of Jigawa State and in a gesture of solidarity and compassion he made a personal donation of N20 million naira on behalf of himself and his family to ameliorate the relief efforts of the state government to those affected by this flood disaster .

Furthermore, the Minister conveyed a special message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to the government and good people of Jigawa State. The President condoled with the people and government of Jigawa State and reaffirmed the federal government commitment to assisting the state in this challenging period.

The Honourable Minister was accompanied by friend’s and well wishers and was warmly received at Government house Dutse by the state Governor H.E malam Umar A Namadi FCA.
Badaru appreciated the Governor whose leadership provided a swift response to the flood crisis. Your prompt action in providing relief to the flood victims is commendable.
The visit reinforced the strong bond between the Hon.Minister Badaru Abubakar and the people of Jigawa state and he will continue to keep faith with them.

***Describes It As Barbaric And Abominable Directs Military To Fish Out Killers

***Vows that the perpetrators must be fished out and punished

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto state Alhaji Isa Bawa describing it as heinous and unacceptable.

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

“The killing of Alhaji Isa Bawa of Gatawa District is a senseless and brutal act that will not be tolerated,” the Minister said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

Consequent to this, Dr. Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Security is one of the top agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and he has been giving full support to the military.

He assured the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bringing them to justice.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Dr. Matawalle.

The Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the late District Head , the people of Gatawa, and the entire Sokoto State Government.

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni , has strongly condemned in totality the gruesome killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa describing it as wicked and unimaginable.

In the light of this, the Minister has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, assuring that the Nigerian military will leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice.

“The killing of the District Head of Gatawa is a callous and cruel act that will not be tolerated,” the Minister said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and brought to book.”

He reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to fully support the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of terrorism.

Badaru opined that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided all logistics to the Armed Forces and that they will ensure that these bandits are neutralised and dislodged permanently.

“We are working tirelessly with the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” Minister Badaru said. “The recent flashes of kidnapping are signs that the kidnappers’ days are numbered. They will soon be defeated totally.”

While commiserating with family of the late District Head, the people of Gatawa, and the entire Sokoto State Government, he assured the family members of other kidnapped victims that everything possible is being done to secure their release safely.

****Get Involved In Results Oriented Initiatives For Self Development , Nation Building

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has charged youth to embrace dialogue and be involved in result oriented initiatives for self-development and nation building.

The Minister gave the charge when he received a delegation of Forum of Special Assistants/ Senior Special Assistants to Governors led by Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives Hon. Titi Gbadamosi in Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru stated that the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR are geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

He noted that part of the bold step he took was the autonomy granted to the Local Governments for effective accountable development at the grass roots and strengthening accessible governance to the people.

Badaru added that the President has also given different levels of palliatives like Social Security Intervention to states (Sub- Nationals), Post Subsidy Removal Presidential Grant and Loans Schemes to support Nigerians through their State Government.

The Minster recalled that Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) and other Skilled- up Artisans Initiatives (SUPA) were put in place especially for the youths’ development.

Badaru advised the Youths to collaborate with the Ministries of Information and National orientation for publicity, Ministry of Trade and industry, Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Youths, Minister coordinating the National economy and finance and other Agencies like BOA, Bank of Industries and SMEDAN to key into the programmes and initiatives they have for Youths.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Hon. Titi Gbadamosi Initiatives said the Forum is committed to advancing youth across the continent by fostering dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

According to her the event is slated to hold on 1st and 2nd of October, 2024 at International Conference Center, Abuja. She added that it is designed to catalyze the active participation of Nigerian Youths in a nation building and economic empowerment.