As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex security landscape, the Ministry of Defence stands at the forefront of efforts to secure a stable future. By implementing innovative strategies, strengthening capabilities, and fostering strong partnerships, the Ministry is actively enhancing Nigeria’s resilience against evolving security threats. These efforts are marked by dynamic policy shifts and robust international collaborations, integrating cutting-edge technology and elevating domestic defence capabilities. This approach sets a new benchmark for military readiness in Nigeria. In this report, MUSA UMAR BOLOGI writes that the transformative changes are steadily boosting the nation’s defence capabilities, enabling it to confront emerging threats with renewed vigour.
Amid the intricate and evolving challenges of national security, the Ministry of Defence remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to uphold peace and stability. This vital institution’s role extends well beyond conventional military duties, encompassing the formulation of strategic policies, the advancement of defence technologies, and the cultivation of international alliances.
On August 21, 2023, Nigeria experienced a pivotal leadership transition with the appointment of Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle as the Minister of State for Defence. His arrival at this critical juncture, when Nigeria’s security landscape was marked by increasing complexities and threats, was more than a mere change in personnel. It was a strategic move reflecting a renewed commitment to addressing urgent security challenges with innovative solutions and decisive action. From the outset, Matawalle has championed a vision of a strengthened defence framework, driven by a mandate to protect every Nigerian and dispel the shadows of insecurity.
His responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities, including the formulation of defence policies, fostering international defence cooperation, advancing the defence industry, and managing civil-military relations. This appointment, made by President Bola Tinubu and confirmed by the legislative arm, signalled the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s defence sector. Matawalle’s entry into the Ministry came at a time of escalating security concerns, requiring a strategic and responsive approach to national defence. His tenure has been characterised by a proactive and methodical approach to tackling Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, guided by a clear commitment to the President’s agenda of “protecting all Nigerians from danger and from the fear of danger.” This overarching objective has shaped every aspect of his work, from policy formulation to operational strategies.
Strategic policy formulation and enhancing defence intelligence
One of the core functions of the Ministry of Defence is to formulate and implement policies that ensure national security. Under Matawalle’s leadership, there has been a concerted effort to review and update these policies to reflect the evolving security landscape. This includes revising existing frameworks and developing new strategies to address emerging threats such as insurgency, terrorism, and organised crime. The emphasis has been on creating policies that are not only responsive but also anticipatory, preparing the Armed Forces to effectively counter future challenges.
Matawalle has also championed the integration of advanced technology into defence strategies. Recognising the increasing role of technology in modern warfare, he has advocated for the adoption of cutting-edge tools and systems that enhance intelligence gathering, operational efficiency, and tactical effectiveness. This forward-looking approach aims to ensure that Nigeria’s defence capabilities remain competitive on a global scale.
Effective defence intelligence is crucial for pre-emptive action and informed decision-making. Under Matawalle, the Ministry of Defence has made significant strides in strengthening its intelligence capabilities. This involves enhancing the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence to better anticipate and respond to security threats. Efforts have also been made to improve coordination between various intelligence agencies and the Armed Forces. By fostering greater collaboration and information sharing, the Ministry aims to create a more integrated and responsive intelligence framework. This approach is designed to enhance situational awareness and enable more effective counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Defence diplomacy has become a vital component of Nigeria’s international relations, shaping the country’s engagement with its neighbours and other global actors. Under a new leadership, there has been a strong emphasis on strengthening defence diplomacy to build strategic partnerships and enhance regional security cooperation. The Ministry has actively worked to reinforce ties with neighbouring countries and international defence organisations. This has included participating in joint exercises, sharing best practices, and engaging in collaborative security initiatives aimed at addressing transnational security threats and promoting stability in the region.
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A robust defence industry is essential for sustaining military capabilities and reducing dependence on external suppliers. Matawalle has recognised the importance of developing Nigeria’s defence industry to support the Armed Forces and bolster national security. His efforts have focused on promoting local defence manufacturing, research and development, and technological innovation. To this end, the Ministry has encouraged investment in the defence sector and supported local defence contractors. By fostering a thriving defence industry, the Ministry aims to enhance self-reliance and ensure that the Armed Forces have access to the latest equipment and technologies.
Effective civil-military relations are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that military actions align with societal values and needs. Matawalle has prioritised improving civil-military relations to foster a positive relationship between the Armed Forces and the civilian population. Initiatives have been launched to enhance transparency, accountability, and community engagement. The Ministry has also worked to address human rights concerns, ensuring that military operations are conducted with respect for civilian life and property. By building stronger ties with communities, the Ministry aims to increase cooperation and support for security efforts.
The Ministry has consistently engaged key stakeholders, including military leadership, through strategic initiatives and actionable policies. Under Matawalle’s visionary leadership, the Nigerian Armed Forces have significantly shifted their approach to combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the nation’s complex challenges, Matawalle has notably enhanced the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). Additionally, the Ministry has introduced and implemented impactful policies, enacted crucial reforms, and established strong alliances, all of which have positively influenced the Nigerian Military’s effectiveness.
Enhanced operational effectiveness of the armed forces
Under the renewed leadership of the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Armed Forces have made significant strides in combating terrorism and other forms of criminality. Shortly after his appointment, the Minister convened a crucial meeting with the service chiefs to discuss and implement more effective strategies. He stressed the importance of improved synergy and intelligence sharing among the services and sought additional funding from both the executive and legislative branches. In response to these directives, the services adopted a collaborative approach to intelligence gathering and sharing, which has enabled more efficient analysis and dissemination of information. This shift has led to the prompt identification of terrorist kingpins and their networks, resulting in a notable decline in civilian casualties, increased recovery of weapons, and a rise in the number of terrorists surrendering.
Over the past 10 months alone, more than 2,000 terrorists have surrendered, and over 200 weapons, along with 3,000 rounds of ammunition, have been recovered. This change in tactics and operations reflects the combined impact of strong political will, effective strategic leadership, and the resilience of the service chiefs. The President’s decisive actions at the grand strategic level, coupled with the Ministry of Defence’s strategic oversight and the service chiefs’ operational effectiveness, have collectively fostered a renewed sense of determination and success within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Under the direct supervision of the Minister of State for Defence, the Nigerian Navy has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities, thanks to additional funding secured through the Minister’s diligent efforts in defending the Defence supplementary budget in November 2023. This financial boost has enabled the Navy to intensify its maritime patrols, both in the backwaters and on the high seas. In alignment with the Minister’s strict policy on improved synergy, the Nigerian Navy has strengthened collaborations with other maritime stakeholders. By leveraging advanced surveillance systems such as Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capability, the Navy, in cooperation with its partners and allies, has effectively tackled maritime crimes, including oil theft, piracy, illegal fishing, and marine pollution. These combined efforts have significantly curtailed these crimes.
Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has made remarkable progress under the Ministry of Defence’s guidance. The NAF has excelled in identifying and neutralising terrorist targets through meticulous intelligence surveillance and armed reconnaissance missions. In the past 10 months, the NAF has achieved notable successes, including the targeted killing of over 10 terrorist and bandit kingpins through precise air strikes. These actions have not only disrupted terrorist logistics but have also diminished their capacity and will to fight. The NAF’s operational improvements are directly linked to the Minister’s commitment to ensuring jointness in the planning and execution of missions. The Minister’s strategic guidance has been instrumental in transforming the NAF into a more effective fighting force. Overall, the prompt intelligence sharing and coordinated operations facilitated by the Ministry of Defence have significantly strengthened the counter-terrorism efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, yielding tangible and substantial results.
Policies and reforms, defence diplomacy and alliances
Upon his appointment as the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle took immediate action to address the welfare of Nigerian veterans and the efficiency of military production. One of his first significant steps was to host a meeting with 14 veteran groups from across the country. This meeting aimed to highlight the benefits of the Defence Health Maintenance Scheme (DHML) and to clarify various misconceptions surrounding it. Matawalle expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by Nigerian veterans and assured them of his commitment to prioritising their interests. The discussion culminated in a resolution to hold quarterly meetings between DHML stakeholders and veterans to continually address and resolve issues related to veterans’ health managem ent. Additionally, Matawalle is actively seeking additional funding for military healthcare services to ensure comprehensive insurance coverage and improved management of the DHML.
In his role overseeing the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Matawalle is spearheading key reforms to enhance the Corporation’s production capabilities. A major initiative under his leadership is the facilitation of the DICON Bill of 2023, which seeks to expand DICON’s operational scope by enabling joint production of military hardware with foreign defence industries. This Bill will allow DICON to collaborate more effectively and benefit from technology transfer agreements. He has stipulated that only proposals incorporating technology transfer will be considered for collaboration. Furthermore, he has mandated DICON to expand the production of Small Arms and Light Weapons through partnerships with verified indigenous companies, thereby bolstering local manufacturing capabilities and supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The implementation of these policies and reforms under Matawalle’s leadership is poised to yield several significant benefits. By reducing production times and defence spending, these initiatives will contribute to a more efficient use of resources. Additionally, they are expected to enhance public trust in the defence sector as the increased transparency and effectiveness of military operations become more evident. The reforms also aim to bolster human capacity development by fostering skill-building and expertise within the defence industry. This, in turn, will strengthen Nigeria’s technological base, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of military innovation. The modernisation and improvement of the nation’s military inventory align with the key objectives of the renewed hope agenda of this administration, reflecting a commitment to advancing both the capabilities and the credibility of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
One of Dr. Matawalle’s core strategies as Minister of State for Defence has been to forge strategic alliances and partnerships that bolster the defence sector and benefit the nation as a whole. Since assuming office, he has actively engaged with various defence allies to explore new avenues for cooperation and to strengthen existing relationships. In October 2023, Dr. Matawalle hosted the Danish Ambassador and his delegation at his office, where discussions centred on identifying new opportunities for collaboration in defence and security. The meeting covered a broad range of topics, including regional and global security challenges, and explored potential partnerships in defence technology, military training, and joint exercises. A key highlight was the dialogue on expanding the longstanding maritime security partnership between Nigeria and Denmark, aiming to enhance cooperation in this critical area.
Beyond bilateral relationships, Matawalle has been instrumental in advancing multilateral security efforts. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Task Force, a significant initiative of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC). The GGC was established to promote cooperation, sustainable development, and security in the Gulf of Guinea region, addressing common challenges such as maritime security, illegal activities at sea, environmental protection, and socio-economic development. Under Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, a Nigerian Navy officer was appointed as the Task Force Commander, with the headquarters established in Nigeria. This strategic positioning underscores Nigeria’s central role in regional security efforts. Furthermore, Matawalle recently travelled to Gabon to bolster collaborative efforts against security threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including piracy, banditry, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and human and drug trafficking. These initiatives reflect Dr. Matawalle’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities through strategic alliances and regional cooperation, aligning with the broader goals of the administration’s renewed hope agenda.
Matawalle has also been actively advancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities and international partnerships. A notable initiative under his leadership was the joint meeting he chaired with the Governor of Borno State, representatives from the Ministry of Defence, and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). This meeting resulted in the Governor approving a building in Maiduguri as the headquarters for the National Mine Action Centre and Improvised Explosive Devices. This move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and its dedication to addressing landmine and explosive remnants of war issues.
To further operationalise the National Mine Action Centre, Dr. Matawalle hosted a meeting with Ms. Ilene Cohn, the Director of UNMAS in New York, in the first quarter of 2024. Ms. Cohn expressed gratitude for the conducive environment created by the Ministry of Defence, which has facilitated UNMAS’s partnership in establishing the Centre. She pledged continued support, including equipping and training additional Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel in the police and civil defence sectors to better address regional threats.
In December 2023, Dr. Matawalle embarked on a visit to the United States with objectives focused on assessing the products of defence companies and advocating for increased U.S. support in combating insecurity in the West African sub-region. During his visit, he met with Congresswoman Betty McCollum, a member of the subcommittee on appropriations in the U.S. Congress. Their discussions centred on strengthening the bilateral defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States, covering topics such as defence policy, information sharing, joint training exercises, technology transfer, and collaborative defence initiatives. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to enhancing regional security and defence capabilities through improved cooperation and interoperability.
The success of Dr. Matawalle’s diplomatic efforts was further evidenced by a letter of appreciation from Congresswoman McCollum, which reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to strengthening the defence partnership with Nigeria. The letter highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation in the defence and security sectors, reflecting the positive outcome of Matawalle’s engagement.
As Minister of State for Defence, he has been dedicated to modernising the Nigerian Armed Forces and strengthening global defence partnerships. In the last quarter of 2023, he undertook a significant visit to Turkey to inspect military hardware being produced for Nigeria and to reinforce defence ties between the two nations. During his visit, Matawalle reviewed the progress and quality of military equipment being manufactured for the Nigerian Armed Forces, including state-of-the-art helicopters, naval vessels, and other crucial defence assets. This first-hand inspection highlighted the advanced capabilities of the equipment and underscored the commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities. The equipment being produced in Turkey is set to significantly bolster the capabilities of Nigeria’s three armed services upon delivery.
The visit to Turkey also facilitated the accelerated delivery of defence equipment. Remarkably, less than five months after the visit, the Nigerian Air Force received and commissioned its new helicopters from Turkey. On April 19, 2024, the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied by Matawalle and the Chief of Naval Staff, commissioned two offshore patrol vessels in Turkey for the Nigerian Navy. These additions have significantly enhanced the Navy’s operational capacity and, by extension, the overall capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces. During both visits, Matawalle actively explored opportunities for increased technology transfer and expanded defence industry cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey. By leveraging Turkey’s expertise in defence manufacturing, he has worked to strengthen Nigeria’s defence industrial base. This collaboration is already yielding positive outcomes, fostering greater self-reliance, economic growth, and job creation in both nations.
As the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle is leading efforts to develop a robust cybersecurity strategy for the defence sector. This strategy aims to safeguard critical defence infrastructure, mitigate cyber threats, and ensure the integrity of sensitive defence information. By implementing these measures, the strategy will bolster national security and protect against potential disruptions or breaches within the defence network. On February 3, 2024, Dr. Matawalle participated in a pivotal global meeting of Defence Ministers held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The meeting focused on devising effective strategies to coordinate military operations against terrorism, counter-terrorism financing, and ideological extremism. During this landmark event, Matawalle and other coalition members discussed actionable initiatives to dismantle terrorist networks and disrupt their operations, with a focus on Nigeria and the broader Sahel region.
In his address, Dr. Matawalle emphasised the evolving and increasingly complex nature of terrorism, asserting the need for a united coalition approach. He stated, “The threat of terrorism continues to evolve, becoming more complex and widespread. It is therefore imperative that we, as a coalition, stand side by side, combining our resources and expertise to protect our nations and maintain global security. Pertinently, it is crucial to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment and the need for deeper partnerships in the areas of intelligence sharing, technical support, and training to enhance regional and national security.”
The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among the attending defence ministers, who pledged their support and cooperation to jointly combat terrorism across all member states. This commitment underscores a collective resolve to address security challenges through enhanced collaboration and shared resources. Through his adept diplomatic negotiations and collaborative defence agreements, Bello Matawalle is significantly enhancing Nigeria’s regional and global influence. His efforts in forging partnerships and agreements have not only elevated Nigeria’s standing on the international stage but also facilitated a more coordinated approach to addressing security challenges.
Matawalle’s engagements with international allies have been pivotal in fostering prompt intelligence sharing and ensuring appropriate responses to both regional and global security issues. These collaborations have enabled Nigeria to benefit from a broader pool of intelligence and resources, leading to more effective and timely countermeasures against emerging threats. As a result, Nigeria is better positioned to address security concerns and contribute to stability and peace in the region and beyond.
Inter-agency collaborations
As Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle is spearheading a unified and comprehensive approach to national security through strategic interagency collaborations. By leveraging the expertise and resources of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), he aims to strengthen the safeguarding of national security and the protection of critical infrastructure.
In the first quarter of 2024, Matawalle paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Comptroller General of Immigration. This visit led to a collaborative effort with the Honourable Minister of Interior (HMOI) to establish a passport data capturing centre specifically for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their immediate families. Recognizing the frequent travel requirements of armed forces personnel for training and other engagements abroad, this initiative seeks to streamline the passport data capturing process. The new facility, projected to be located at the Headquarters Defence Intelligence Agency in Abuja, is expected to enhance synergy between the armed forces and the immigration service, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Additionally, in his role overseeing the Military Pension Board (MPB), Matawalle is working to modernize and digitalise the pension verification process for military retirees. The MPB, responsible for administering benefits to retired and deceased personnel, has traditionally conducted annual physical verifications at various centres across Nigeria. This process has been burdensome and inconvenient for many veterans, particularly those who are elderly or living abroad. To address these challenges, Matawalle has implemented a digital verification system using National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). This innovation allows veterans to authenticate their status electronically, both domestically and internationally, easing their burden and leveraging emerging technology to improve efficiency and interagency collaboration. These initiatives reflect Matawalle’s commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the armed forces and improving the lives of veterans through innovative and collaborative approaches.
In a significant move to reduce foreign dependency on defence equipment, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has locally manufactured 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). These APCs were formally handed over to the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa (OFR). This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its domestic defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in military equipment production. The delivery of these locally produced APCs marks a crucial step in enhancing the operational readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces while supporting the growth of the national defence industry.
