The International Center for Northern Defence Group Organization (ICNGO) has recognized Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, as the Best Minister of the Month for November, citing his transformative achievements in addressing insecurity across northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday by ICNGO Chairman Frank Augustine, the organization highlighted Matawalle’s strategic interventions, which have significantly improved security in Sokoto, Zamfara, and other northern states.
The statement said “Key accomplishments include restoring safety along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and reducing instances of sexual violence, particularly in Sokoto and neighboring regions.
“Within a remarkably short period, Dr. Matawalle’s relentless efforts have resulted in a more secure and peaceful northern Nigeria, achieving milestones that deserve nationwide commendation,” Augustine said.
Since his deployment to Sokoto State by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023, Matawalle has led several military operations, neutralizing over 6,000 bandits and eliminating high-profile terror leaders. Among the key figures neutralized are:Alhaji Halilu Sububu and loyalists of Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule in Zamfara State.
“Baleri Fakai, a close ally of notorious bandit Bello Turji, killed in Maru, Zamfara, in September 2024,Halilu Buzu, a foreign arms trader, killed in Zamfara in September 2024,Ali Kachalla (Ali Kawaje), eliminated during an airstrike in Niger State in December 2023,Dangote, a prominent bandit leader, killed in Katsina in April 2024,Damina, a mastermind of high-profile kidnappings, neutralized in March 2024 in Zamfara and Modi-Modi (Usman ‘Kartakwa’) and Yellow Jambros, both eliminated in clashes and military operations in 2024.
Dr. Matawalle has also bolstered Nigeria’s defence capabilities through international collaborations. These include:Turkey (October 2023): Inspection of defence equipment facilities for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“United States (November 2023): Partnership with Swift Ships Company to localize military hardware production, including advanced sea-stalking vessels,
World Defence Show 2024 (Saudi Arabia): Active participation in showcasing Nigeria’s presence in global defence.
“Launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel (Turkey): Collaboration with Turkey to enhance maritime security, attended alongside First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu,Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Center (Saudi Arabia): Strategic engagement to exchange counter-terrorism knowledge.
“ICNGO lauded Dr. Matawalle’s leadership as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to combating insecurity and fostering peace.
“Nigeria is on the path to greater security and stability, thanks to Dr. Matawalle’s transformative efforts and President Tinubu’s visionary leadership,” the statement concluded.