Tag: Matawalle

The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have condemned the killing of military operatives in Delta State.

Operatives of 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed by irate youths in Okuama Community Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State during a rescue mission on Thursday. 

The Ministers, in a statement on Monday said the “perpetrators must be brought to book.”

According to them: “This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women in the defence of our nation. 

Read Also: Killing of soldiers: Delta community deserted, residents flee home

“Their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of danger exemplify the highest ideals of patriotism and duty”,” .

 “We affirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security and well-being of all Nigerians and will not tolerate any threat to our nation’s sovereignty and stability.”

The Ministers assured that every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice, and “we remain resolute in our pursuit of peace and tranquillity across the nation in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, said democracy is working in Nigeria under the present leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister said Tinubu has provided a level- playing ground for people to express themselves while fundamental human rights are being respected.

Matawalle said this in a statement on Thursday, March 7.

He, however, described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as “agents of darkness.”

He warned “those unpatriotic elements” to desist from their inglorious act, warning that the government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves.

Read Also: Terrorism: Matawalle urges increased military operationsin Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina

The Minister directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to go after the enemies of democracy and bring them to justice. 

Matawalle emphasised the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution.

He said: “Those calling for a coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no Military takeover of power.

“Nigeria is a peaceful country where citizens enterprise, no uprising, no mass protest, and just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities. 

“The military is highly professionalized with a good Civil-Military relationship and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority.” 

The Minister urged Nigerians to come together to support and keep faith with the present administration in its efforts at making the country great.

He also assured the public of the military readiness to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has charged the military to increase operations against terrorists and bandits in the North West.

He said the prevalent insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists and bandits especially in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states, has led to attacks on military personnel, loss of lives, and destruction of military hardware.

The minister, in a statement on Friday, March 1, also directed the military “to adopt a more proactive approach in decimating the activities of bandits and in dealing with insecurity in the region.

Read Also: Terrorism: Matawalle urges increase military operations in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina

 He emphasised the need for synergy amongst the country’s military services to wipe out insurgency and other forms of criminalities in the region.

 “The safety and well-being of our citizens remain paramount, and decisive action must be taken to curb the menace of terrorism and banditry in our communities,” said Matawalle.

While highlighting the significance of these operations beyond security, the minister underscored their role in fostering a conducive environment for agricultural activities to strive.

  “Enhanced security in the region will not only safeguard the lives and properties of our people but also improve the quality of farming and irrigation. Farmers will be able to cultivate their lands without fear of attacks, thus ensuring food security and economic prosperity for the region,” he said.

Matawalle urged the communities to support security agencies in their efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has charged the military to increase operations against terrorists and bandits in the northwest.

He said the incessant insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists and bandits, especially in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states, which has led to attacks on personnel, loss of lives, and destruction of military hardware, called for intense military presence.

The minister in a statement on Friday, March 1, also directed the military “to adopt a more proactive approach in decimating the activities of bandits and in dealing with insecurity in the region.

Read Also: Why Nigeria is participating in World Defence Exhibition in Saudi Arabia – Matawalle

He also emphasized the need for synergy amongst the Services to be able to wipe out insurgency and other forms of criminalities in the region.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain paramount, and it is imperative that decisive action be taken to curb the menace of terrorism and banditry in our communities,” Matawalle said.

While highlighting the significance of the operations beyond just security, the minister underscored their role in fostering a conducive environment for agricultural activities to strive.

He said: “Enhanced security in the region will not only safeguard the lives and properties of our people but also improve the quality of farming and irrigation. Farmers will be able to cultivate their lands without fear of attacks, thus ensuring food security and economic prosperity for the region.”

Matawalle urged the communities to support security agencies in their efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.

The federal government has reaffirmed the ban on using military camouflage by the Police, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration, and other paramilitary organizations.

It said only the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, while on joint operation with the military, are allowed by law to use the military camouflage.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle said this in a statement on Monday, February 19.

He said the ban was due to the present security situation in the country, saying that criminals disguised as military and other security personnel cause havoc in society.

The Nation reports that the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had in a circular titled: “Observation on Proliferation in the Use of Camouflage Uniforms by Other Security Agencies in Nigeria” mandated personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Fire Service, among others, to discontinue the use of camouflage uniforms henceforth.

Read Also: Insecurity: Lagos traditional ruler advocates for implementation of community policing

The minister emphasized that there was a need to streamline the personnel that were authorized to use the military camouflage.

He said the ban was also to bring sanity to the system and also as a way of checkmating criminal activities.

Matawalle said: “Use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces namely, the Army, Navy, and the Air Force remain banned.

“The present situation does not support the use of Military camouflage by people who are not authorized or not personnel of Defence Headquarters.

“The criminals among us have had to take advantage of the military, the Police, and other security agencies’ gears to perpetrate crimes.”

He said the military and the Police have been directed to enforce the order the National Security Adviser gave.

 President Bola Tinubu is working round the clock to see that Nigeria is better and  well secured, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle has said.

 The Minister said the President has given priority to the safety of citizens by equipping the Military to function optimally and charged the Service Chiefs to rebuild the capacity of the security services.

 Matawalle, however, cautioned the citizens against using inflammatory comments against the government, as such comments would have severed consequences on the country. 

 The Minister said this in a statement from his office against the backdrop of some unguarded utterances coming from some sections of the populace 

He said: “Such comments are incisive and destructive and can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence in our beloved nation.

” The minister also said that President Tinubu understands the nexus between insecurity and poverty and that was why government is increasing its investment in MSMEs. 

 He continued: ‘’This is in addition to the 15 Million vulnerable households that will be added to the extended social safety net.” 

 “Just a few days ago, the President approved the creation of a committee that included the State Governors and Federal representatives that will explore among other things the possibility of establishing State Police that will help in checking mating crimes.” 

Read Also: Why Nigeria is participating in World Defence Exhibition in Saudi Arabia – Matawalle

 The Minister underscored the importance of unity, stating that what affects one Nigerian ultimately affects the entire West African sub-region and the African continent. 

 “It is imperative for us as Nigerians to embrace dialogue and understanding in addressing our differences. 

We must remember that our strength lies in our diversity, and only through unity can we overcome the challenges facing our nation,” he said. 

 Acknowledging the global nature of the challenges, Matawalle reassured the public that the President and his team “are working tirelessly to alleviate the burdens on the Nigerian populace.” 

 The minister urged Nigerians to prioritize peace, tolerance, and national cohesion in their words and actions, as “we collectively strive towards building a prosperous and harmonious Nigeria.”

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that Nigeria’s participation in the ongoing World Defence Exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was to explore the latest technology in military hardware that will help combat the present security challenges in the country.

He said the forum would also create ways of collaboration between Nigerian delegations with key Defence stakeholders, leaders, and companies to enhance Nigeria’s security structure.

The minister said this after going round exhibition stands of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), PROFORCE, and other international defence companies.

A statement from the minister’s office on Tuesday, February 6, said other Nigerians who were delegated to the exhibition include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Major- General Effiong Edet.

The Nation reports that Matawalle and other members of the delegation had on Saturday, February 3, attended the second Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting, and thereafter the World Defence Exhibition on February 4.

Read Also: Matawalle attends second counter terrorism coalition meeting in Saudi Arabia

The statement said: “While going round the exhibition stands, the Minister pointed out that the aim of the Global exhibition was for participating countries’ ministries of Defence to meet and share information and ideas on the latest defence systems.

The minister said: “The exhibition is designed to deliver key platforms across all five defence domains – land, sea, air, space (satellites), and security.

“He said the objective of the Nigerian delegation’s participation in this all-important event is to explore the latest technology in military hardware that would eventually be acquired for the country and also create ways of collaborating with key Defence stakeholders, leaders, and companies to enhance Nigeria’s security structure. This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda on security and further enhancement of security in Nigeria and the West African region.”

According to the exhibition, the exhibition featured displays of military hardware, the latest technology of military aircraft including a live air show, knowledge transfer, topical debates, and opportunities to connect, collaborate, and network with key defense stakeholders and leaders.

The exhibition will end on February 8.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, along with defence ministers from other countries to attend the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting.

The ministers are at the meeting to discuss the urgent need for collaborative action in the fight against terrorism.

A statement from the Nigeria minister’s office said the discussions at the meeting had further strengthened the resolve of Nigeria and other members of the coalition to stand side-by-side in combating terrorism threats.

According to the statement, discussions at the meeting revolved around counter-terrorism strategies, strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and dismantling the intricate web of transnational terrorist networks.

Read Also; Tinubu’s quest for living wage for Nigerian workers: 37 to the rescue

It said the meeting provided a vital platform for thought-provoking exchanges and practical solutions to enhance international cooperation and bolster joint efforts against terrorism.

The statement said: “Stemming from his experience as the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, a State that is experiencing the brunt of insecurity due to activities of criminal actors, the Minister recognizes the paramount importance of solidarity and coordination in addressing the complex and ever-changing nature of terrorism.

“During the meeting, the Minister reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to international peace and security. He highlighted the imperative of collective action and emphasized the need for a united front against terrorism, stressing that the fight against terrorism transcends national borders and requires the collaboration of every nation.

“He emphasized the significance of leveraging advancements in technology and innovation to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities, while also acknowledging the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of extremism.”

The statement said the member nations of the coalition resolved at the meeting to intensify efforts in intelligence cooperation, cybersecurity, and joint training exercises.

“The Ministry of Defence will also work closely with coalition partners to advocate for stronger counter-terrorism measures on the global stage and ensure that those responsible for terror acts are held accountable under international law,” the statement said.