Defence minister demands timeline to end terrorism, banditry  

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, and the Minister of State, Dr. Bello Matawalle, have asked service chiefs to give them timeline and requirements to end insecurity in the country.

Abubakar made the demand, yesterday, on his assumption of office at the Ship House, Abuja.

The former governor of Jigawa State, in his remarks after officially taking over from Dr. Ibrahim Kana, permanent secretary in the ministry, pledged to review the country’s past reports on insecurity.

Promising not to betray the trust President Bola Tinubu reposed in them, he added: “This timeline and target will be passed on to the President, and we trust he will be monitoring us. The President is ready to give us the needed support to achieve success, because he is an achiever and does not have the patience for failure.

“We know that without security, there will be no investment, and without investment, there will be no economic growth.”

He assured that their tenure would bring about tangible change in the country’s security and pledged not to make light of the appointment.

Similarly, Matawalle remarked that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had demonstrated exceptional commitment over time, despite the evolving security landscape.

He said: “New threats emerge, while existing ones persist. Terrorism, banditry, insurgency, cyber warfare, transnational organised crime and communal conflicts pose significant challenges to our national security.

“The task ahead is not an easy one. However, I am confident that with the support of my colleagues, the dedication of our armed forces and the unwavering commitment of every Nigerian, we will overcome any challenge that comes our way.”

Matawalle noted that Nigeria was blessed with abundant resources, diverse cultures and a resilient population, but “it is a nation that faces numerous challenges in maintaining peace and stability within its borders. Our geographical location, coupled with internal and external threats, demand a robust defence strategy that can effectively protect our sovereignty and preserve our national interest.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to build a strong defence apparatus that can effectively counter emerging threats.”

He noted that defending the nation rests on the shoulders of all, not just the defence forces or government.

“It is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen,” Matawalle said.

According to him, the armed forces will be modernised and strengthened through investment in advanced weaponry, intelligence gathering capabilities, surveillance system and cyber defence infrastructure.