Matawalle Urges Collective Responsibility in National Security
The Honourable Minister of State Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle MON, has emphasized that ensuring the nation’s security is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of citizens, communities, and all relevant stakeholders. He made this statement during a courtesy visit from the National Forum of Former Legislatures at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
Dr. Matawalle highlighted that safeguarding the country extends beyond the efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces alone. Effective national security, he noted, relies heavily on public cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, and vigilant communities. Acknowledging the complexity of current security challenges, he remarked, “Public concerns and criticisms are understandable in a democratic society, but it is crucial to view these challenges within their proper historical and operational context.”
He further explained that the Ministry, working alongside the Armed Forces and other security agencies, continues to address these challenges through renewed strategies, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, operational initiatives, and ongoing capacity building, all aimed at protecting lives and securing communities.
Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing national security through close cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches. He stressed that tackling Nigeria’s security issues requires a holistic approach, combining both kinetic operations and non-kinetic strategies such as intelligence sharing and effective legislative oversight. He also highlighted the valuable role that the experience and institutional knowledge of former Legislatures can play in shaping policies that foster peace, stability, and national cohesion.
Commending the forum for its continued interest in national security, he assured them of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate closely with them and other relevant institutions to ensure a safer Nigeria.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Honourable Raphael Nnanna Ibekwe, stated that the forum’s visit aimed to acknowledge the Ministry’s achievements and recognize the challenges it faces. He urged Nigerians to support the Ministry, the government, and security agencies in addressing security threats.
Ibekwe emphasized that the delegation is ready to assist the Ministry, particularly in non-kinetic areas, leveraging the expertise within their ranks to support intelligence, policy, and strategic security initiatives. He encouraged the Honourable Minister to continue his efforts, noting that the visit was also a recognition of his credentials and past contributions.
