By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Matawalle, MON, has reiterated that the security of Nigeria is a shared responsibility that demands the active participation of citizens, communities, and all relevant stakeholders, stressing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved by government efforts alone.
The Minister made this known when members of the National Forum of Former Legislators paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja. The visit, according to an official statement signed by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, provided an opportunity for strategic engagement on national security challenges and collaborative solutions.
Dr. Matawalle emphasised that safeguarding the nation goes beyond the operational efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that public cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, and community vigilance remain critical to addressing security threats across the country. He acknowledged that managing national security is a complex and evolving task, particularly in the face of diverse and asymmetric threats confronting different regions.
While recognising public concerns and criticisms within Nigeria’s democratic space, the Minister underscored the importance of situating security challenges within their proper historical, operational, and strategic contexts. He explained that under the current administration, the Ministry of Defence, in close collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, has continued to confront these challenges through renewed strategies, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, sustained capacity building, and coordinated operations aimed at protecting lives and securing communities nationwide.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security, Dr. Matawalle highlighted the necessity of sustained collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. He noted that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a holistic approach that effectively combines kinetic operations with non-kinetic strategies such as intelligence gathering, public engagement, and effective legislative oversight.
The Minister further stressed the value of the experience and institutional knowledge of former legislators, describing them as critical assets in shaping sound policies that promote peace, stability, and national cohesion. He commended the National Forum of Former Legislators for its continued interest in national security matters and assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with them and other relevant institutions to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Honourable Raphael Nnanna Ibekwe, said the Forum was at the Ministry to identify with its ongoing efforts and giant strides, while acknowledging the challenges confronting the defence sector. He affirmed that security remains a collective responsibility and used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to support the Ministry, the government, and security agencies in ensuring that emerging security threats are promptly identified and addressed.
Hon. Ibekwe urged the Ministry of Defence to remain focused on its mandate in delivering on the President’s security agenda, pledging the Forum’s willingness to support the Ministry, particularly through non-kinetic approaches. He noted that the Forum comprises experienced professionals, including security experts, who are ready to contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.
The delegation also encouraged the Minister to sustain and deepen his efforts, stating that their visit was a show of solidarity and confidence in his leadership, credentials, and commitment to national service.
The visit underscored the shared resolve of government officials and former lawmakers to strengthen collaboration, enhance public participation, and adopt comprehensive strategies in the collective pursuit of a secure and stable Nigeria.
