Tag: Matawalle

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, have reaffirmed that restoring peace and security across Nigeria remains the top priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

This was contained in a statement signed by Matawalle’s Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The ministers spoke on Tuesday during an operational visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, where they assessed the evolving security situation, particularly the resurgence of insurgent activities in the North-East.

They were received at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Maiduguri by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General A.E. Abubakar, alongside other senior military officers.

The ministers first visited the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, where they commiserated with the people of the state.

“We are here to commiserate with the Government and people of Borno State, and to directly assess the situation on the ground,” the ministers said.

“With your continued support and prayers, we are confident that lasting peace and stability will be achieved.”

They assured the monarch of the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring security across the region.

In his response, the Shehu of Borno appreciated the visit, highlighting the cross-border nature of the security challenges and pledging the continued support of the Borno Emirate Council to military operations.

The ministers also visited the Borno State Government House, where they were received by the Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur Usman, on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

They commiserated with the state government and residents, while commending the administration’s sustained support for military operations.

Usman, in turn, praised the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for their resilience and sacrifices, and extended condolences over the loss of military personnel in the line of duty.

The delegation later paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Military Cemetery in Maimalari Cantonment, honouring officers and men who died defending the nation.

At the Theatre Command Headquarters, the ministers received an operational briefing and inspected the Command and Control Centre.

They also commissioned newly renovated Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ and Combat Battalion Quarters within the facility.

Addressing troops, the ministers conveyed President Tinubu’s message, commending their courage and dedication.

They charged the troops to redouble their efforts towards securing lasting peace in Borno State, the North-East, and the country at large.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, maintained active oversight of Nigeria’s defence sector throughout 2025, engaging in strategic leadership, international diplomacy, and institutional reforms, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Wednesday.

A statement signed by the Ministry’s Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Buhari Malunfashi, said the year began with a focus on personnel morale and national security traditions.

The statement reads ‘In January, Dr Matawalle decorated senior officers of the Nigerian Navy and Police Force and joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House and National Mosque for Armed Forces Remembrance Day events.

“The Minister also presented the 2025 Defence budget to the National Assembly and participated in high-level engagements with international defence support firms. In Kaduna, he unveiled a redesigned corporate logo for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

“In February, he hosted the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria to discuss defence cooperation and attended a major social event in Kano. March involved institutional and industrial oversight, including meetings with the Bureau of Public Procurement, ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, and a delegation from China’s NORINCO.

“Dr Matawalle represented Nigeria at the Latin America Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in Brazil in April and hosted delegations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States Embassy, and local defence firms. He also undertook operational visits to Maiduguri alongside the Chief of Defence Staff.

“May and June focused on naval capacity and national crisis response. The Minister presided over DICON board meetings, inducted new naval platforms, launched the Navy Special Operations Command logo, and joined President Tinubu on security assessments in Benue State.

“July and August highlighted both domestic leadership and international diplomacy. Dr Matawalle commissioned compressed natural gas vehicles for military logistics, unveiled new DICON-manufactured armoured platforms, and led defence delegations to Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and India.”

He also co-chaired the National Defence College Governing Board meeting and engaged African defence leaders in Abuja.

“In September, he responded to an accidental explosion at the DICON Ordnance Factory in Kaduna and hosted U.S. Army medical research delegations. October combined ceremonial duties with sports diplomacy, including a charity football match in Abuja.

“November witnessed landmark industrial and security developments, including a strategic MoU between DICON and Ajaokuta Steel Company, rescue operations for abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi, and preparatory engagements for next year’s African International Defence Exhibition.

“The year concluded in December with international visits, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where Dr Matawalle signed a defence cooperation agreement before returning to Abuja on 10 December.

“The Minister’s 2025 agenda reflects sustained leadership, international partnerships, and commitment to Nigeria’s defence capability,” the statement said.

The Zamfara Christian Fellowship Network has commended the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for what it described as his sustained support for Christians in the state, particularly during Christmas.

The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its chairman, Chigozie Emanuel, said Matawalle’s latest intervention underscored his commitment to peace, unity and religious tolerance in Zamfara.

Emanuel said the minister donated nine cows, 200 bags of rice and ₦4m to support Christian celebrations, noting that the gesture reflected a long-standing tradition of inclusiveness.

According to the statement, the support was coordinated by Matawalle’s political aide, Hon. Ibrahim Danmalikin Gidan Goga, alongside Hon. Yusuf Idris Gusau, Hon. Namada Ataka and Hon. Aliyu Sani BK.

The items were received on behalf of the Christian community by Rev. Abdulazeez Olabi, who said the donation enabled members to celebrate Christmas with dignity and a sense of belonging.

The network noted that Matawalle had maintained a record of supporting Christian communities in Zamfara even before becoming governor, providing food items, livestock and financial assistance during festive periods.

It added that his gestures had helped to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people of different faiths in the state.

The group urged other political leaders to emulate Matawalle’s example, saying inclusive leadership remained vital to strengthening unity and lasting peace in Zamfara.