“You Are Now Nigeria’s Frontline Guardians in War Against Terrorism – Matawalle Tells Special Forces Graduates

You Are Now Nigeria’s Frontline Guardians in War Against Terrorism – Matawalle Tells Special Forces Graduates

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has described the graduation of 800 Special Operations Forces (SOF) as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to defeat insecurity and strengthen national defence.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Camp Kabala in Jaji, Kaduna State, Matawalle said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic vision to modernize the Armed Forces through advanced training, cutting-edge equipment, and intelligence-driven operations.

“You are now Nigeria’s frontline guardians in our collective war against terror, banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency,” he told the graduating troops. “You embody the resolve of our nation—proof that Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”

While commending their rigorous training, the Minister reminded the troops that victory also rests on their discipline, character, and patriotic duty. As they prepare for deployment to high-risk areas including Zamfara, Kaduna, and the North-East, he urged them to carry their arms with integrity and operate with courage and precision.

“You carry not just arms, but the honour of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the hopes of every Nigerian, farmers, students, children, and elders. Be swift, be strategic, be just. Lead with honour. And always protect with humanity,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, also lauded the perseverance of the new graduates and their instructors. He said the Special Operations Forces are critical to the nation’s counterinsurgency architecture and capable of confronting evolving threats with tactical superiority.

“The SOF is a vital pillar in our national defence architecture. Their elite skills are indispensable in countering insurgency, terrorism, and other asymmetric threats,” Aduda stated.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, encouraged the troops to maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. “The Armed Forces is a disciplined and dignified institution. Let your moral compass guide every mission. Protect the innocent, uphold our laws, and honour your uniform,” he advised.

He expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, the Ministers of Defence, the Permanent Secretary, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the training programme.

The graduation of this first batch of elite Special Operations Forces is the new phase in Nigeria’s military evolution, equipping a new generation of soldiers with the skills and mindset needed to secure peace and restore confidence in conflict-prone regions.

By PRNIgeria