New Defence Ministers: Badaru, Matawalle pledge to Collectively Tackle security challenges

New Defence Ministers: Badaru, Matawalle pledge to Collectively Tackle security challenges

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru has pledged to review previous reports on the security challenges in the country.

Badaru said this as he assumed office with the Minister of State, Dr Bello Matawalle at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Badaru who took over from Dr Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary in the ministry said this was necessary to understand the challenges at hand and make Nigeria safe for all.

To meet the mandate of President Bola Tinubu, the minister charged the service chiefs to give him a timeline and requirements to solve the issue of insecurity in the country.

“This timeline and target will be passed on to the President, and trust he will be monitoring us.

“The president is ready to give us all the needed support to achieve success, because he is an achiever and doesn’t have the patience for failure.

“For the sake of our country, we know that without security, there will be no investment, and without investment, there will be no economic growth.”

In his remarks, Matawalle said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have demonstrated exceptional commitment over time, in spite of the constantly evolving security landscape.

“New threats emerge while existing ones continue to 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 citizen, we will overcome any challenge that comes our way.”

Meanwhile at a special dinner held in his honour by well wishers, Matawalle
extended his gratitude to almighty Allah for His blessings, friends and associates for their camaraderie, staff for their loyalty and hard work, the family for their love and prayers.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Lawal Umar Maradun, the Defence Minister of State thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with this crucial task in the government. He also emphasized his commitment to upholding the nation’s security interests and promoting collaborative efforts within the Ministry of Defence to address evolving challenges effectively.

Dugnitaries at the occasion included Governor Yahaya Bello, former Imo state Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha former Governors of Zamafara Senator Ahmed Sani Yarima and Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, former Governor of Bauchi, Mallam Isah Yuguda, former Defence Minister, General Mansur Muhammad Dan Ali (Rtd.), among other distinguished dignitaries.