On Tuesday, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, addressed concerns over the concentration of northerners in key security positions within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Matawalle clarified that these appointments are a strategic decision driven by the need to tackle the severe insecurity affecting the North, particularly the North-West region.
During his visit to the 8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Matawalle emphasized that President Tinubu has not been unfair to other regions but has instead prioritized the security challenges that disproportionately impact the North.
He noted that Tinubu’s understanding of the security situation led him to appoint individuals from the region who are deeply familiar with the issues at hand.
Matawalle was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on the visit, which was conducted under the direct orders of President Tinubu.
The President, currently on an official visit to China, instructed Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff to proceed to Sokoto to review ongoing military operations, specifically those under Operation Hadarin Daji.
The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing the violence and instability in the North-West, with a focus on ensuring that military operations are adequately supported and that troops have the necessary resources to combat the criminal elements in the region.
Matawalle also addressed the recent attacks by bandits led by Bello Turji, which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers and the destruction of two armored vehicles.
He urged the troops to remain focused and assured them of continued support from the government.
In addition to his discussions with the troops, Matawalle visited soldiers who were wounded in action, offering them assurances of the federal government’s support.
He also announced a cash donation of N5 million to be distributed among the injured soldiers, as a gesture of solidarity during their recovery.
