A year of resilience and renewal: Reflections on our defence achievements

BY BELLO MATAWALLE

Nigeria has, over the past two decades, confronted a myriad of security challenges that have tested the very fabric of our nation. Yet, we have emerged stronger, defying predictions of collapse and disintegration. Each time we neutralize one threat, another arises, compelling us to constantly retool and adapt to the evolving dynamics of modern-day security challenges.

Through the concerted efforts and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, these security challenges are being dealt with, while terrorists’ capacity to carry out large-scale, coordinated attacks has been severely diminished.

Indeed, the valour, patriotism, and dedication of our troops remain undiminished. The world has long recognized the prowess of Nigerian soldiers, whose contributions to peacekeeping missions in foreign lands are well-documented. Our Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated that when equipped with the right tools, motivated by a clear mission, and supported by adequate resources, they are an unstoppable force.

Since my appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Minister of State for Defence, I have committed to draw upon my experience and deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex security landscape to ensure the effective functioning of our Armed Forces in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. In this light, the Ministry has implemented a paradigm shift in our approach to tackling insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

A key aspect of this shift has been enhancing the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. Within my first week in office, I convened a meeting of the Service Chiefs, emphasizing the importance of synergy and intelligence sharing. Today, our Services operate with a level of collaboration in intelligence gathering and sharing that has significantly improved our ability to identify, apprehend, and neutralize terrorist and criminal networks. This approach has also led to the recovery of significant quantities of weapons, thereby reducing the threat posed by these groups.

With the support of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy has seen marked improvements in its operational capabilities, thanks to enhanced funding and improved surveillance tools. Our efforts have led to a significant reduction in maritime crimes such as oil theft, piracy, illegal fishing, and marine pollution. Over the past year, we have recovered over a million litres of stolen crude oil and seized hundreds of thousands of litres of illegally refined AGO. These achievements underscore our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime resources and ensuring the integrity of our territorial waters.

The welfare of our troops is paramount to their operational effectiveness. From the outset of my tenure, I have prioritized the well-being of our veteran soldiers. In my first meetings with them, I expressed my deep appreciation for their sacrifices and assured them that their welfare, even post-service, would remain a top priority. Through the Defence Health Maintenance Scheme (DHMS) we have since taken steps to improve the support and benefits available to our veterans, recognizing that their continued well-being is essential to maintaining the morale and effectiveness of our current forces.

Aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we have taken a significant leap forward by digitalizing the Pension Verification Process for our veterans. Leveraging BVN and NIN for electronic authentication, we have eliminated the need for our retirees to undertake arduous journeys for annual verification. This reform is a testament to our commitment to modernizing military administration and ensuring the dignity of those who have served.

In the realm of cybersecurity, we have made significant strides in protecting our critical defence infrastructure. Under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, we have developed a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aimed at safeguarding sensitive information, mitigating cyber-threats, and ensuring the integrity of our defence networks. This strategy is crucial in preventing disruptions or breaches that could compromise Nigeria’s security.

Our collaboration with international partners has also been strengthened. At the Global Meeting of Defence Ministers in Riyadh earlier this year—a forum dedicated to coordinating strategies for combating terrorism and its financing—I reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to global security. I emphasized the importance of partnership in tackling the evolving threat of terrorism, advocating for deeper cooperation in intelligence sharing, technical support, and training. Nigeria remains a steadfast partner in the global fight against terrorism, committed to both regional and international security.

In our quest to forge stronger partnerships in the fight against insecurity, I visited the United States, where I engaged in strategic discussions with Congresswoman Betty McCollum. The agenda was clear: to enhance our bilateral defence ties through joint training, technology transfers, and collaborative initiatives. These steps are vital in bolstering the security framework that binds our two nations.

In December 2023, I accompanied the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Chief of Naval Staff to Turkey to commission two offshore patrol vessels for the Nigerian Navy—a critical boost to our maritime defense capabilities. While in Turkey, I also inspected military hardware under production for our Armed Forces, including state-of-the-art helicopters, naval vessels, and other critical defense equipment. Less than five months after, the Nigeria Air Force took delivery of its new helicopters, and have since commissioned them for operational use, further enhancing our aerial defense posture.

One of the key drivers of my tenure as Minister of State for Defence has been the push for greater self-reliance in our defence capabilities. The potential of our domestic defence industry is immense, and I am dedicated to revitalizing this sector to meet the needs of our Armed Forces.

In a landmark achievement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law on November 23, 2023. This revised legislation, which I championed, empowers DICON to manufacture, store, and dispose of ammunition, ensuring a reliable supply chain for our military. Additionally, the Act establishes the Defense Industry Technology, Research, and Development Institute, laying the groundwork for a robust scientific and research-driven foundation for Nigeria’s defence sector. This institute will leverage multidisciplinary research to drive the commercialization and development of new military technologies, positioning Nigeria as a leader in defence innovation.

Earlier this month, we witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DICON, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of a munitions production facility, ensuring that our troops are equipped with the tools they need to defend our nation. By producing these munitions domestically, we are not only enhancing our security but also saving hundreds of millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on imports, thereby strengthening the Naira and boosting our economy.

The revitalization of DICON represents more than just an enhancement of our defence capabilities; it is a statement of national pride and self-sufficiency. This initiative will create jobs for our youth, advance Nigeria’s technological and military stature, and position us as a key player in the global defence market. Our goal is to develop a robust domestic industry capable of meeting Nigeria’s security needs and, in the future, serving international markets.

As we commemorate this one-year milestone, I am proud of the strides we have made, but I am also acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The security of our nation is a collective responsibility, and I remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria continues to stand strong in the face of adversity.

Matawalle MON is Nigeria’s Minister of State, Defense, and writes from Abuja.