Africa Security Investigation News

By Emmanuel Daudu

….Says those plotting against him are unpatriotic Politicians with entitlement  mentality

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Northern region for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, stressing that the President’s commitment to the region’s development and security is unshakeable.

According to a press release signed on the 2nd of July, 2024 by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe Director ( Information and Public Relations), Dr. Matawalle’s statement comes amidst attempts by some politicians to undermine the President’s leadership, citing his style of governance as a reason. However, the Minister dismissed these attempts as mere power play by unpatriotic politicians with an entitlement mentality.

The Minister highlighted the numerous benefits the North has derived from President Tinubu’s administration, including strategic appointments and infrastructural development.

He listed several key appointments held by Northerners, including himself as Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar as Minister of Defence, and others in key ministries which  includes but not limited to:
Muhammed Idris – Minister of Information and National orientation

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare – Ali Pate

Minister of Agriculture and food security -Abubakar kyari

Minister of Youths- Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim

Minister of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar

Minister of Budget and Economic planning – Atiku Bagudu

Minister of Water resources and sanitation – Joseph utsve

Minister of Steel development – Shuaibu Audu

Minister of State, Agriculture – Sabi Abdullahi

Minister of Special duties – Zephaniah Jisalo
Minister of Education Tahir Maman SAN
Minister of State Education Yusuf sununu
Minister of Police affairs   Ibrahim Geidam
Minister of State Police Affairs  Hon imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Minister of State water Resources Bello Goronto
Minister of Housing and urban development  Ahmed Dangiwa
Minister of State Housing and urban Development  Abdullahi Gwarzo
National Security Adviser

Director- General DSS
Director-General NIA
Chief of Defence Staff

Chief of Air Staff
Group managing Director NNPCL
MD NPA just to mention a few.

According to  Dr. Matawalle, from the aformentioned list, he called on the Northern political leaders to allow Tinubu ample time to get Nigeria’s economy back on track.

As the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle is playing a crucial role in actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate on security.

He emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to security, citing his efforts in the defence sector, including strategic policy development, counter-terrorism initiatives, capacity building, community engagement, regional security cooperation, humanitarian support, oversight, and coordination.

The Minister called on Northern political leaders to unite behind President Tinubu, to enable him implement his Renewed Hope Agenda and salvage the nation’s economy and politics.

He highlighted Mr. President’s love and commitment to the North, by listing the many benefits of having President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pointing out many juicy political posts are being handled by Northerners compared to other regions of the country.

Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle is one of the ardent supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration saying that no amount of political gang up can unseat the President, and no amount of blackmail can stop him from contesting for the Presidential election come 2027.

To him,  the alleged move, by some selfish Northern Politicians masquerading as oracle for the North is just mere
power play by some unpatriotic northern politician without grassroot base.

Speaking on the the defence sector which he is handling, he said there was hope at the end of the tunnel as the President is committed to tackle the security situation head on.

“Let us unite around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to salvage our battered economy and politics. This campaign of some selected Northern Politicians that are uncomfortable with the President’s style of governance are advised to join hands with the President in his Renewed Hope Agenda of moving the country to a prosperous and secured nation.

By Emmanuel Daudu

Based on an Intelligence tip-off the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS) has arrested 3 Suspects in connection with the vandalism of an oil pipeline, operation of an illegal local refinery and other miscellaneous offences at Nwanko, Asa/Umuelechi swampy forest Ukwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to a press release signed on 2nd of July, 2024 by CSC Babawale Afolabi
National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC National Headquarters Abuja, disclosed that the CG’S SIS Commander, Deputy Commandant Appolos Dandaura hinted that the preliminary interviews conducted on the suspects at the crime scene revealed their levels of involvement of which more light would be thrown during our investigation.

From the confessional statements volunteered the Suspects admitted to the crime blaming it on economic hardship. The names of the suspects are Ajagbo Joseph (M) ’24yrs- an indigene of Isoko North LGA, Delta State. Adoration Ebuka Chucku (M) 26yrs’, from Ihiala LGA, Anambra State and Moses Michael 43yrs (M) an indigene of Ekrimor LGA, Bayelsa State.

The following exhibits were sighted at the crime scene:
Several iron plates extracted from drums to be used in constructing local cooking ovens Power Generating Set used by the welders, Inverter Welding Machine, Welding Filing Machine, Large quantities of stolen crude oil, Jerrycans, Buckets, Hoses and metal pipes, Shovels and Welding Electrolytes.

“At the end of our investigation, the suspects would have their time in the court of competent jurisdiction even as the Corps’has avowed to clamp down on economic saboteurs across the board”.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has emphasized the importance of strategic Defence Management in Nigeria, highlighting the Ministry of Defence’s perspective.

According to a press release signed on 29th of June, 2024 by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe , Director (Information and Public Relations), the Minister delivering a lecture titled “Strategic Defence Management in Nigeria: Ministry of Defence in Perspective” to participants of Course 32 at the National Defence College in Abuja, Minister Badaru underscored the comprehensive approach to Defence Management in Nigeria.

He emphasized that Defence Management involves various measures and approaches to protect national interests, core values, and citizen well-being.

The Minister stressed that efficient Defence Management requires thematic approaches in planning, policy formulation, military strategy implementation, and resources management. He noted that effective Defence Management hinges on strong leadership, clear communication, integrated planning, and flexible adaptability.

Badaru commended the lecture organizers and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unwavering support to the country’s defence, as outlined in his Renewed Hope Agenda. He acknowledged that successful Defence Management relies on government and stakeholder support.

By Emmanuel Daudu

In an exciting outpour of encomium on the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR; being described as an exemplary leader with passion and unwavering determination to reposition the NSCDC to a World Class Elite Organization.

According to a press release signed on 28th of June, 2024 by CSC Babawale Afolabi,
National Public Relations Officer
NSCDC National Headquarters abuja, disclosed that a Ghana-based Professorial Institute has honoured the NSCDC Boss with a Meritorious Award of Excellent Service. Speaking at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja, the President of the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics, Ghana who was represented by his Vice President, Dr Tom Ohikere on behalf of the Governing Council conferred a meritorious award on the NSCDC Commandant General.

According to the Vice President of the Prestigious Institute, the award is to recognize the sterling and remarkable performance of Dr Audi in his stewardship and enviable leadership ethos as the Commandant General of the NSCDC.

“Having carried out a necessary background check and keenly observed with much admiration the institute hereby recognizes Dr Audi’s exceptionally outstanding performance as the Commandant General of the NSCDC most especially in the area of the discharging the Statutory Core mandates and the professional conduct of the officers and men upon his assumption of office till date”.

Dr Tom further said that the Institute has diligently followed the remarkable achievements of the Audi-led admiration and has been able to justify the fact that the award is a well-deserved honour for the CG”.

“Notably, the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics has its headquarters in Ghana with liaison offices in Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Kenya and Nigeria. It is professionally structured to enhance the mechanism of corporate governance with a view of developing and producing potential leaders from Public and Private Economic Sector”.

While appreciating the Institute for such an unprecedented honour being accorded to the NSCDC Commandant General; Dr Audi thanked the Governing Council and the Institute for the well-deserved recognition promising that the leadership of the NSCDC would continue to work assiduously to project the Corps for better performance and efficiency.

“This is a defining moment for me and the entire NSCDC as an organization. Be assured that this meritorious award will serve as a catalyst that will spur and motivate us to do more as my vision is to ensure that by the time we leave; the NSCDC would
have become a global reference and world-class paramilitary agency signposted with professionalism, regimentation and effective service delivery to the nation “.

Giving a closing remark, Dr Yinka Olateju who superintendents the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics in Nigeria saluted the unbiased commitment of the Commandant General in fighting economic saboteurs ravaging the oil, agric, mining and other critical sectors since he took over as the CG adding that with such exemplary leadership the public would continue to repose much confidence even as the Corps remains undeterred in strengthening the security architecture of the nation at large.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has urged ECOWAS Defence Ministers to unite and work together with determination to achieve a safer and more secure region.

According to a press release signed on 28th of June, 2024 by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe, Director ( Information and Public Relations), speaking at the ECOWAS Defence and Finance Ministers’ meeting in Abuja, Badaru emphasized the need for collective commitment to address terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian challenges threatening the region’s unity and stability.

The meeting aimed to provide actionable recommendations for financing and equipping the ECOWAS counter-terrorism forces, with a focus on crafting a sustainable financing model that addresses immediate security threats and lays the foundation for long-term stability and resilience.

The Minister expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the continued security challenges in the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian crises. He noted that several attempts have been made to address these challenges, including the instruction by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to operationalize the ECOWAS Standby Force.

The Minister charged his colleagues to fine-tune the recommendations and develop a robust solution to the region’s security problems. He emphasized the need for a critical review of financing options, considering the current challenges and financial constraints facing member states.

“We must work together with determination and unity of purpose to achieve a safer and more secure ECOWAS region,” He said that the region’s collective commitment is vital in crafting a sustainable financing model that will address the immediate security threats and lays the foundation for long-term stability and resilience in our region.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba has disclosed that Troops have Neutralize 2,245 terrorists, arrests 3,682 from April to June in the ongoing military operations across the federation

General Buba made the disclosure on Thursday during a biweekly press briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

While speaking, he has this to say, “the resolve of the armed forces is very clear and it is to destroy the terrorist and dismantle their military capabilities in order for citizens to be safe. Accordingly, troops are actively fighting in different forms and retain operational flexibility which gives us  the ability to respond to different events and to project forces  according to strategic needs.

” Indeed, the military has greatly degraded the terrorist, even though they are still present in the theatres of operation. It would take time and effort to completely destroy these terrorists, particularly as counter insurgency is akin to a marathon not a sprint.

“It is safe to say that the terrorist have prioritised their military capability over everything else. This is because  as our forces advance and clear areas in which these terrorist hibernate, we continue to recover weapons, explosives and IEDs which are indicative of the priorities of the terrorist. Nevertheless, we continue to wipe out the terrorist through synchronised ground and air operations.

“During the second quarter of this year, troops neutralized 2,245 terrorists, arrested 3,682 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements as well as rescued 1,993 kidnapped hostages. Furthermore, troops recovered 2,783 weapons, 64,547 ammunitions and  denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N10 bn (N10,533,131,470.00) only.

“Breakdown  for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,169 AK47 rifles, 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 713 assorted arms and 9,850 assorted ammo.

“Others are 9,225,149 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,874,916 litres of illegally refined AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK and 31,380 litres of PMS amongst other item.


“Troops operations  are continually  assessed in order to make adjustments in our actions, thereby amending our operations to increasingly ensure we minimize civilian casualties. Our operations are progressing according to plan e en as we abide International laws governing armed conflict.

“Overall, we will do everything within the bounds of the law to make our nation safe for citizens. The military will keep up with the fighting spirit and maintain the stamina in the frontlines. Our pride is to risk our life’s, to safe the life’s of our citizens. This is what we do to secure our country”, he added.

A documentary on the pathetic story of the living conditions of the Internally displaced persons, (IDPs) in most part of Nigeria has been produced by a young Nigerian.

The documentary titled, ‘Silent cries: Unveiling hidden lives’ aptly captured the true life story of the pathetic situations of these Nigerians who were once going about their lives just like every other Nigerians, doing their legitimate businesses, but have everything cut short and now forced into a life of hardship occasioned by the unfortunate attack on their communities by bandits and Boko Haram.

The young Nigerian, Farouk Muhammed, son of the president of the Nigeria Archery Federation, Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, and an under graduate from Bingham University took a trip into one of the camps to present a side of the story that the government has been so silent about.

The documentary presented the IDP camp as lacking in basic amenities that would make living conditions comfortable and conducive for any person. He emphasized the fact that there are no schools for the children as they were seen playing away all day long.

The documentary saw the writer speak with several of the IDPs on the condition of their stay in the camp. Speaking first, the coordinator of the camp visited, and one of those who has been at the forefront of fighting for the rights of IDPs in Nigeria, Idris Halilu explained the challenges they face living in the camp.

“The story is unpalatable, it’s such a sad story. The living condition is critical. Honestly life has not been easy for us. What do I mean? 95 percent of what I eat, what IDPs eat comes from individuals, foundations and NGO. So when I say 97 or 98 percent you can see that government intervention is just 2 percent and ordinarily they are supposed to shoulder it 100 percent.

Another respondent who spoke with the writer was one of the escapees by name Mallam Ahmed who narrated how he escaped from Boko Haram and wondered for six days without food and water before entering the camp.

“In Gwoza I was a business man selling bikes and I also rare cattles. I was also a farmer when terrorists came to our town. They looked for boys who are 13 years, and older and killed them. I left the town with no shoes on my feet. Before I even got to leave i hid under the bed. They started marrying women and girl off to the terrorists. It was one of these women that saved me; I had to hide for six days without food and water before I finally left there”, he concluded.

Another resident of the IDP camp, Adaza Haruna from Bornu state said she had spent about nine years in the camp, but lamented that that their greatest challenge is food.

*Food is very difficult to get, some persons have mattresses while some don’t. Those that don’t have mattresses spread plastic to lay on. My husband is currently sick because of laying on the floor. I have five kids but only three are alive, the cold is very bad on my husband. Some night he does not sleep, he spend the entire night crying”, she lamented.

Also the women leader of the IDP camp, Leyatu Ayuba runs a road side restaurants in the camp. She narrates her experience in the hands of the terrorists, explained how she lost her husband and her son in the hands of the terrorists. Never the less, she expressed gratitude to the NGO, the Foundations and others good spirited persons who have always come to their aide at the camp.

The writer ended by saying that despite these challenges they still find some reasons to make themselves smile and happy in the camp.