Championing National Security: The Impact Of Matawalle Leadership On Security Gains
By Ben Bala, PhD
Bad news, they say has more appeal and therefore travels faster. This would explain why despite taken a decisive turn since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the fight against insecurity in Nigeria which has been marked by renewed commitment, strategic coordination, and innovative approaches remains overshadowed by bad news.
And, central to this positive transformation is the leadership of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, whose understanding of the mind-set of criminal elements have brought about significant security gains across the nation. Despite these achievements, much of the progress remains underreported, leaving the public unaware of the successes and the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Dr. Matawalle’s recent engagement with the Special Assistant to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, highlighted this gap in public awareness. Speaking at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, he emphasised that while significant strides have been made in reducing oil theft, piracy, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, these stories often remain behind the curtains to ensure the safety of the gallant men and women on the frontlines.
Nevertheless, Under Dr. Matawalle’s leadership strategic gains have been recorded in the fight against insecurity, even as the Ministry of Defence has prioritised transparency, accountability, and results-driven operations.
It is pertinent to highlight key achievements over the first three quarters of 2024 and they include: massive reduction in oil theft and Maritime Piracy.
Nigeria’s maritime sector, once plagued by oil bunkering and piracy, has witnessed a dramatic decline in criminal activities. This progress not only at the forefront of boosting national revenue but also reassures international investors of Nigeria’s commitment to securing its economic assets, to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
With the decline in reports of oil theft and sabotage, Nigeria’s oil output has stabilised, contributing positively to the nation’s economic recovery. The establishment of dedicated task forces to monitor oil pipelines has been instrumental in this success.
Of particular impact is the pmproved security in coastal areas all thanks to the Nigerian Navy’s proactive approach, including regular patrols and joint operations with international partners, which has significantly reduced piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea. This achievement has bolstered Nigeria’s reputation as a responsible maritime nation.
Successful Counter-Terrorism Operations in regions historically troubled by insurgent activities, such as the North-East has also contributed to a renewed sense of security in the affected states. Particularly, there has been a marked reduction in attacks due to the proactive approach of the armed forces. Collaborative efforts between the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies have dismantled key insurgent cells, resulting in safer communities.
Another area that has witnessed remarkable improvement is Border Security. The deployment of advanced surveillance technology and well-trained personnel along Nigeria’s borders has curtailed the activities of smugglers, human traffickers, and illegal arms dealers thereby strengthening border policing.
A major strategy responsible for these gains is the adoption of Community-Centric Security Approaches. Recognising that security cannot be achieved through military might alone, the Ministry, leveraging on insights from Matawalle has intensified efforts to engage local communities. Initiatives such as community policing and dialogues with traditional leaders have fostered trust and cooperation, which has a played an important role in the successes recorded so far. While many of these efforts are handled behind the scenes, they play a big role in ensuring boots on the ground a properly utilised.
Perhaps, some of the Ministry of Defences’ most significant progress, many of the achievements that have remain underreported include rescue missions in hostage situations. The Armed Forces have conducted numerous successful rescue operations, freeing hundreds of hostages from bandits and insurgents.
These missions, often conducted under extremely challenging conditions, testing the bravery and professionalism of Nigeria’s military personnel often go unnoticed. Keeping some of these successes away from the media may not be unconnected to protecting the identity of the victims.
There has also been a massive reduction in banditry in the North-West. States such as Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna have experienced a significant reduction in bandit attacks. Collaborative efforts between state governments and security agencies have led to the dismantling of notorious criminal gangs.
Notwithstanding some of the reasons for keeping some gains of the armed forces under wraps, the call for better communication is imperative. It is just as well, because while the Ministry of Defence has achieved commendable results, Dr. Matawalle acknowledges the importance of publicising these success stories. During his engagement with Hadiza Bala Usman, he committed to ensuring timely submission of achievement data for review and dissemination. He also expressed support for regional tours and on-the-spot interviews with rescued individuals, which would provide raw and authentic evidence of progress.
In urging the Ministry of Defense to take proactive steps in addressing negative feedback, Ms. Bala Usman, acknowledges the importance of timely, and effective public communication. Like her, many commentators believe that by sharing more data and engaging directly with communities, the Ministry can counter scepticism and reinforce public confidence in its efforts.
In all of this, we can’t downplay the important role of leadership in the positive turnaround of security in all theatres of operations. Dr. Matawalle’s leadership exemplifies a blend of vision, resilience, and accountability. His emphasis on inter-agency collaboration has fostered unity among Nigeria’s security forces, while his community-driven approach ensures that security measures are inclusive and people-oriented.
It’s no wonder that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, also lauded the consistency and tireless efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs. Together, they have laid a solid foundation for a safer Nigeria, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable peace and security, the Matawalle-led Ministry of Defence remains committed to its mission. The successes recorded so far are a testament to what can be achieved when leadership, strategy, and determination converge.
However, as Dr. Matawalle rightly pointed out, these achievements need to be brought to the forefront. By amplifying the stories of success and sacrifice, the Ministry can inspire public confidence and galvanise support for the Armed Forces.
Whether we like it not, the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of all Nigerians. While the Armed Forces, under the guidance of Dr. Matawalle, the minister Badaru and all the service chiefs, have made significant strides, there is a pressing need to ensure that these efforts are recognised and celebrated as this would serve to boost the morale of troops.
Therefore, by bridging the gap between achievements and public awareness, the Ministry of Defence can not only counter misinformation but also foster a sense of national pride and unity. Dr. Matawalle’s leadership is paving the way for a safer and more secure Nigeria, one achievement at a time.
Ben, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Abuja