The Northern Farmers Association (NFA) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for their proactive leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the association’s spokesperson, Yakubu Ibrahim Lere, credited Dr. Matawalle with playing a pivotal role in implementing President Tinubu’s directives to combat insecurity nationwide.
Lere noted that the minister’s efforts had significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of Nigeria’s defence ministry and other security agencies.
This, he said, had led to a notable reduction in terrorist activities and other criminal threats.
“Since President Tinubu appointed Dr. Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, significant strides have been made in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges,” Lere stated.
“His leadership has fostered joint efforts among the Armed Forces, enabling seamless collaboration without rivalry.”
The NFA praised Matawalle’s adoption of a balanced strategy, combining kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (diplomatic and socio-economic) approaches.
According to the association, this approach has yielded positive results in conflict-prone regions.
Lere highlighted an operation in Sokoto last year, during which a notorious bandit leader, Alhaji Halilu Sububu, and numerous others were neutralized.
This, he said, sent a strong warning to those attempting to undermine Nigeria’s stability.
Additionally, the spokesperson pointed to advancements in intelligence gathering under Matawalle’s leadership, which had improved the precision of military operations against insurgents.
The NFA also commended efforts to curb economic sabotage in the oil sector, citing Nigeria’s recent achievement of 99% of its OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day—the first time in years.
The association further praised initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as economic empowerment, education, and social development programs in conflict zones.
These measures, it said, had reduced the appeal of insurgent recruitment.
“As an organisation dedicated to protecting farmers, we are particularly impressed by Dr. Matawalle’s emphasis on eliminating insecurity nationwide,” Lere added.
The spokesperson urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to combat terrorism, stressing the importance of collective action in ensuring national stability.
“Citizens must rally behind President Tinubu, Dr. Matawalle, and security agencies to secure our nation and allow Nigerians to live without fear,” he concluded.
