Ministry of Defence Nigeria

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To provide support services, and to enable the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria build and maintain a modern, compact, strong, professional, mission-capable and mission-ready Armed Forces, for the defence of Nigeria.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCEPRESS RELEASEFRIDAY, 4TH SEPTEMBER 2026NIGERIA PLEDGES STRONGER TIES WITH SÃO TOMÉ ON MARITIME SECURI...
04/09/2026

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PRESS RELEASE

FRIDAY, 4TH SEPTEMBER 2026

NIGERIA PLEDGES STRONGER TIES WITH SÃO TOMÉ ON MARITIME SECURITY AND JDZ AS MATTAWALLE REPRESENTS PRESIDENT TINUBU AT INAUGURATION

_...Tinubu Congratulates President Vila Nova on Re-election, Calls for Deeper Cooperation in Gulf of Guinea_

The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe, with focus on maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Zone (JDZ), trade and investment.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, *H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON*, stated this while representing *His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, at the Presidential Inauguration of *His Excellency, President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova*, for a second five-year term.

Speaking on behalf of Mr.President, Matawalle commended the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent election.

“Your victory reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Nigeria commends the Government, the National Electoral Commission, Political Parties, and the people of São Tomé and Príncipe for strengthening democratic institutions in your country,” he said.

President Tinubu added: “Nigeria values the longstanding friendship between our two countries. I therefore look forward to deepening cooperation in maritime security, the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe JDZ, trade and investment, and other areas of mutual interest.”

The event, which was held at the country’s Parliament Building, was attended by several African and European leaders and other dignitaries. In addition to Minister Bello Matawalle, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other leaders who graced the swearing-in ceremony included the President of the Republic of Congo, His Excellency, President Denis Sassou Nguesso, the President of the Gabonese Republic, His Excellency, President Brice Oligui Nguema, the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Mrs. Maria Benvinda Levy, the representative of the Angolan Head of State and Angola’s Foreign Minister, Téte António, and the Prime Minister of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch, among other dignitaries.

Dr. Matawalle said Nigeria remains committed to peace, security and development in the Gulf of Guinea region. He expressed Nigeria’s readiness to re-establish and strengthen closer ties with São Tomé and Príncipe for mutual benefit.

“His Excellency President Tinubu’s participation through representation reflects the historic ties of friendship, fraternity, solidarity and cooperation that continue to define relations between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe,” the Minister said.

Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO)
For: Director, Information and Public Relations

MINISTRY OF DEFENCEPRESS RELEASEWEDNESDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER 2026MATTAWALLE IN SÃO TOMÉ TO REPRESENT PRESIDENT TINUBU AT VIL...
02/09/2026

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PRESS RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, 2ND SEPTEMBER 2026

MATTAWALLE IN SÃO TOMÉ TO REPRESENT PRESIDENT TINUBU AT VILA NOVA’S INAUGURATION
..Nigeria’s attendance Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy and Regional Stability in Gulf of Guinea- Dr. Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, *H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON*, has arrived in São Tomé to represent *His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, at the Presidential Inauguration of *His Excellency, President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova*.

President Vila Nova will be sworn in for a second five-year term on *Thursday, 3rd September, 2026* at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional), São Tomé.

Dr. Matawalle’s
representation underscores Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, and peace in the Gulf of Guinea region.

President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova emerged victorious in the Presidential Election held on *Saturday, 19th July, 2026*.

The Minister is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message and hold discussions with the São Toméan leadership on areas of mutual interest, including defence cooperation and regional security.

Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe continue to enjoy cordial diplomatic relations anchored on shared values of democracy, economic cooperation, and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO)
For: Director, Information and Public Relations

PHOTO NEWS:THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE H.E. DR. BELLO MUHAMMAD MATTAWALLE, MON, IS REPRESENTING HIS EXC...
02/09/2026

PHOTO NEWS:

THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE H.E. DR. BELLO MUHAMMAD MATTAWALLE, MON, IS REPRESENTING HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, AT THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF *HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT CARLOS MANUEL VILA NOVA*, FOR A SECOND FIVE-YEAR TERM AS PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE.

THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY , 3RD SEPTEMBER 2026 AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (ASSEMBLEIA NACIONAL), SÃO TOMÉ.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCEPRESS RELEASETUESDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026FG DEPLOYS NEW STRATEGIES TO END INSECURITY, AS MATTAWALLE V...
01/09/2026

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PRESS RELEASE

TUESDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026

FG DEPLOYS NEW STRATEGIES TO END INSECURITY, AS MATTAWALLE VISITS KANO OVER GARUN MALLAM ATTACK
..“We Will Do More To Improve Security In Nigeria” – Defence Minister of state

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to end insecurity in the country, with renewed focus on proactive operations, strategic planning and stronger collaboration with state governments.

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, stated this on Monday in Kano during a condolence and assessment visit to the Kano State Government House. The visit followed a bandit attack on *29th August, 2026* in Chiroma Village, Garun Mallam Local Government Area.

Dr. Matawalle assured the Kano State Government and citizens that the administration of *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, remains committed to defeating insecurity and restoring lasting peace nationwide.

“The President has constituted a committee to develop a Five-Year Defence and Security Plan. This will guide our long-term approach to tackling security threats across the country,” the Minister said.

The Minister disclosed that following the incident, the Commander, *3 Brigade, Kano, Brigadier General Jimoh*, led a swift joint rescue operation with personnel of the Joint Task Force, JTF, from Hawan-Kwano and Kwanar Dangora camps.

The operation led to the successful rescue of kidnapped victims around Yan-Kifi Bridge and Marabar Kwari areas of Garun Mallam LGA.

Dr. Matawalle commended the troops for their courage and prompt response, adding that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“We will continue doing everything possible to support our security services to ensure our country is safe. I assure you that soon, insecurity will be a thing of the past, and we will all live in peace and prosperity,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that lasting victory against insecurity requires collective effort across all levels of government and society.

“It takes the combined effort of local government, state and federal levels to tackle this issue of insecurity. We also need timely and credible information from citizens to security agencies,” he stated.

He further assured Kano State of increased FG support, including the deployment of additional fighting vehicles, weapons and other operational enablers to enhance security operations in the state.

Earlier, Dr. Matawalle held a closed-door security meeting with commanders of 3 Brigade and other formations in Kano, where he charged them to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and redouble efforts to secure communities.

The Minister reiterated that the Federal Government remains determined to provide the necessary resources and support to safeguard lives, property and the territorial integrity of the nation.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kano State, *H.E. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf*, thanked the Minister for the visit and pledged the state’s continued collaboration with the Federal Government.

“We are confident in your leadership. At the state level, we will continue to do what needs to be done to ensure security and stability in Kano. We have heard the President’s commitment to security in Nigeria, and we will ensure that the menace of insecurity does not remain in our domain,” the Governor said.

Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO)
For: Director, Information and Public Relations

MINISTRY OF DEFENCEPRESS RELEASEFG COMMITTED TO NATIONWIDE SECURITY, SAFEGUARDING DIASPORA VISITS — DEFENCE MINISTERLUAN...
30/08/2026

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PRESS RELEASE

FG COMMITTED TO NATIONWIDE SECURITY, SAFEGUARDING DIASPORA VISITS — DEFENCE MINISTER

LUANDA, ANGOLA — The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR, has assured Nigerians in the diaspora that the Federal Government is relentlessly strengthening national security to guarantee a safer country and facilitate seamless visits to their homeland.
The Minister gave this assurance during an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community residing in Angola, held on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola.
The Nigerian delegation to the AU Summit was led by His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The high-level session allowed government representatives to listen directly to the concerns of the diaspora community and provide immediate feedback. Also present at the meeting were the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and the Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.
Expressing appreciation to the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining a harmonious relationship with the diplomatic mission, General Musa emphasised President Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to neutralising security threats nationwide. He highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster the numerical strength and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and partner security agencies.
"Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework," General Musa stated. "Some of our ongoing challenges stem from regional instability in the Sahel, which trickles across our borders. However, comprehensive border management measures are actively being implemented to curb these incursions."
General Musa further reaffirmed the administration's resolve to sustain the integration of reliable data into national security strategies and developmental planning, stressing that efforts to restore lasting peace and stability remain on course.
In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted the enhanced data protection and identity management structures recently instituted by the government, noting that strengthened inter-agency collaboration is yielding measurable results.
Reiterating the agency's mission, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa assured citizens that the commission’s doors remain open to support their welfare and promote opportunities for mutual national prosperity.

E-Signed:
Leah Katung-Babatunde
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence
August 30, 2026

PHOTO NEWSTHE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD) ATTENDED THE 26TH EXTRA ORDINARY SESS...
30/08/2026

PHOTO NEWS

THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD) ATTENDED THE 26TH EXTRA ORDINARY SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE AU IN ANGOLA.
THE SUMMIT IS DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN AFRICA

PHOTO NEWSTHE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD), OFR, RECEIVED THE MANAGEMENT TEAM O...
29/08/2026

PHOTO NEWS
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD), OFR, RECEIVED THE MANAGEMENT TEAM OF NIRSAL PLC, LED BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MR. EWAEN IMOHE AT THE SHIP HOUSE.
HE ASSURED THE DELEGATION OF A COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND REAFFIRMED READINESS TO RECEIVE AGRIC-BASED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA.

PHOTO NEWSTHE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD) OFR, ALONGSIDE FORMER PRESIDENT GOODL...
24/08/2026

PHOTO NEWS
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD) OFR, ALONGSIDE FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN GCFR, JOINED THE SERVICE CHIEFS, SENIOR SECURITY AND STRATEGIC STAKEHOLDERS AT THE NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE COURSE 34 GRADUATION LECTURE IN ABUJA.
GENERAL MUSA WAS THE SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCEPRESS RELEASEAUGUST 24, 2026APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL: MINISTER OF DEFENCE PLEDGES TOTAL DEDICATION TO CA...
24/08/2026

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PRESS RELEASE

AUGUST 24, 2026

APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL: MINISTER OF DEFENCE PLEDGES TOTAL DEDICATION TO CAMPAIGN TASK, REAFFIRMS RESOLUTE COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

ABUJA— The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR, has expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his appointment as Secretary I on the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.
Accepting the appointment, the Honourable Minister described the trust reposed in him by Mr. President and the party leadership as a call to higher service. He assured the party hierarchy, stakeholders, and supporters across the nation of his unalloyed commitment to executing the strategic tasks of the office with diligence, administrative rigour, and single-minded focus to guarantee party victory.
General Musa emphasised that while undertaking this vital assignment in support of the party's electoral agenda, his primary constitutional mandate which is safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria and protecting the lives and property of all citizens remains absolute and uncompromising.
"National security remains our highest imperative," the Minister stated. "The ongoing operations, strategic reforms, and inter-agency collaborations across the defence sector will continue unabated with increased vigour. Our resolve to uphold the mandate of the Ministry of Defence, protect our people, and drive Mr. President’s vision for a safe and prosperous Nigeria remains firm and unshakeable."
The Honourable Minister called on party members and all patriotic citizens to remain united behind the administration, expressing absolute confidence that the APC will achieve success at the polls while continuing to deliver robust governance and security nationwide.

E-Signed:

Leah Katung-Babatunde
SA(Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence

PRESS RELEASEMINISTRY OF DEFENCESUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2026PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS DR. BELLO MATAWALLE AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR...
23/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2026

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS DR. BELLO MATAWALLE AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE 1 OF 2027 APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL
..Matawalle pledges to deploy his wealth of experience in ensuring a peaceful, well-coordinated, and successful campaign

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the constitution of the 2027 All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council. The Council brings together distinguished political leaders, strategists, and grassroots mobilisers to coordinate the party’s engagements ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

In the list of key appointments released, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H. E.Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, was named *Deputy Director, Security and intelligence 1* of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council.

The appointment places Dr. Matawalle at the core of the campaign’s strategic command, with direct responsibility for Security Coordination. As Deputy Director, Security and intelligence 1, he will be responsible for: Security Architecture for Campaign Activities thereby ensuring the safety of candidates, campaign officials, and supporters nationwide. Also, he will be in charge of Intelligence and Risk Assessment by Working with security agencies to provide threat analysis and mitigation for campaign operations across states.

Furthermore, he will coordinate Inter-Agency and Stakeholder Coordination by liaising with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups to deepen support for the security architecture of the campaign management.

Dr. Matawalle’s appointment reflects President Tinubu’s recognition of his outstanding record in public service, security management, and political mobilisation. As as former Governor of Zamfara State, he demonstrated capacity in managing complex security challenges and implementing community-based peace initiatives.

As Honourable Minister of State for Defence, he has played a pivotal role in supporting the Renewed Hope security agenda. He has been instrumental in policy implementation, strategic engagements with security agencies, and advocacy for troops’ welfare and infrastructure development.

His extensive grassroots network, proven leadership qualities, and experience in both executive and national security roles make him uniquely suited to coordinate the sensitive mandate of security and intelligence for the campaign.

Reacting to the appointment, Dr. Matawalle expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC leadership for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to bring his wealth of experience as a former Governor, a serving Minister of the Federal Republic, and a seasoned political leader to bear in ensuring a peaceful, well-coordinated, and successful campaign that will take the achievements of the Renewed Hope Administration to every corner of Nigeria.

Congratulations have been pouring in for Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, on this well-deserved national assignment and assures the Campaign Council of its full support.

Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO)
For:Director, Information and Public Relations

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