Security is a collective responsibility, Matawalle tells Nigerians
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has reiterated that safeguarding Nigeria’s security is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of citizens, communities and all relevant stakeholders, stressing that the task cannot be left to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces alone.
Matawalle made the remarks on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when members of the National Forum of Former Legislators paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The minister explained that while the military and other security agencies play a central role in addressing threats to national security, their efforts must be complemented by public cooperation, timely intelligence sharing and heightened community vigilance.
He noted that managing security in Nigeria has become increasingly complex due to evolving and multidimensional threats across different parts of the country.
According to him, public concerns and criticisms about security challenges are legitimate within a democratic setting, but such issues must be viewed within their proper historical and operational contexts to ensure balanced and constructive engagement.
Matawalle said that under the current administration, the Ministry of Defence, working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, has continued to confront security challenges through renewed operational strategies, improved inter-agency collaboration, intensified operations and sustained capacity building.
“These efforts are deliberately structured to protect lives, secure communities and strengthen national stability,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security through sustained cooperation between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, adding that Nigeria’s security challenges require a holistic approach that blends kinetic operations with non-kinetic measures.
According to Matawalle, effective intelligence gathering, information sharing, community engagement and robust legislative oversight are critical non-kinetic components needed to complement military operations in achieving lasting peace and security.
The minister also underscored the importance of drawing on the experience and institutional knowledge of former legislators in shaping policies and frameworks that promote peace, stability and national cohesion.
He commended the National Forum of Former Legislators for its sustained interest in national security matters and assured the group of the ministry’s readiness to work closely with them and other relevant institutions to build a safer Nigeria.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and former lawmaker, Honourable Raphael Nnanna Ibekwe, said the visit was to identify with the Ministry of Defence and commend its “giant strides” despite the challenges confronting the sector.
Ibekwe said members of the forum were fully aware of the complexities of Nigeria’s security environment and shared the view that security is a collective responsibility.
He used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to support the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence and security agencies by providing credible information and cooperating with authorities to ensure that emerging security threats are promptly addressed.
He urged the ministry to remain focused on its mandate in line with President Bola Tinubu’s security agenda, assuring the minister that the forum was willing to support the ministry in any capacity required.
According to him, the forum has within its ranks experienced professionals, including security experts, who can contribute significantly, particularly in the area of non-kinetic strategies such as policy advisory, conflict prevention and community engagement.
Ibekwe also encouraged Matawalle to sustain and improve on his efforts, noting that the forum’s visit was also to show solidarity with the minister in recognition of his past credentials and current responsibilities.
The meeting ended with assurances of continued collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the National Forum of Former Legislators in pursuit of peace, stability and a more secure Nigeria.
