By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has reiterated that safeguarding Nigeria’s security is a shared responsibility that demands the active participation of citizens, communities and all relevant stakeholders.
Matawalle made this known when members of the National Forum of Former Legislators paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
According to the minister, national security goes beyond the efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, stressing that public cooperation, timely intelligence sharing and community vigilance remain critical to addressing security challenges across the country.
He acknowledged the complexity of managing security in the face of evolving threats, noting that public concerns and criticisms are understandable in a democratic society. However, he emphasised the need to properly situate such concerns within their historical and operational contexts.
Matawalle said the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, continues to confront security challenges through renewed strategies, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, sustained operations and capacity building initiatives aimed at protecting lives and securing communities.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security through sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, adding that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a holistic approach that combines kinetic operations with non-kinetic measures such as intelligence sharing and effective legislative oversight.
The minister also underscored the importance of drawing on the experience and institutional knowledge of former legislators in shaping policies that promote peace, stability and national cohesion.
Commending the forum for its continued interest in national security matters, Matawalle assured members of the ministry’s readiness to work closely with them and other relevant institutions to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Ibekwe, said the visit was to identify with the ministry’s efforts and to acknowledge the challenges it faces. He stressed that security is a collective responsibility, calling on Nigerians to support the government and security agencies in flushing out emerging security threats.
Ibekwe urged the Ministry of Defence to remain focused on implementing the President’s agenda, pledging that the forum was ready to assist, particularly in non-kinetic approaches, through the expertise of its members, including seasoned security professionals.
He added that the forum’s visit was also to encourage the Minister of State for Defence, whom he described as deserving of support based on his past credentials and commitment to national service.
