Security Is a Collective Responsibility, Matawalle Tells Nigerians

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has reiterated that national security is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of citizens, communities and all relevant stakeholders, stressing that government efforts alone are not sufficient to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Matawalle made this known on Tuesday in Abuja when members of the National Forum of Former Legislators paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House.

The minister said safeguarding the nation goes beyond the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, noting that public cooperation, timely intelligence sharing and community vigilance are critical to sustaining peace and stability across the country.

“Managing national security is a complex task, especially in the face of evolving threats in different parts of the country,” Matawalle said, adding that while public concerns and criticisms are expected in a democratic society, such issues must be viewed within their proper historical and operational context.

He explained that under the current administration, the Ministry of Defence, working with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, has continued to confront security challenges through renewed strategies, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, sustained operations and capacity building initiatives aimed at protecting lives and securing communities.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security through closer collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. He noted that tackling insecurity requires a holistic approach that blends kinetic operations with non-kinetic strategies such as intelligence gathering, information sharing and effective legislative oversight.

Matawalle also emphasized the importance of leveraging the experience and institutional knowledge of former lawmakers in shaping policies that promote peace, stability and national cohesion. He commended the National Forum of Former Legislators for its sustained interest in security matters and assured members of the ministry’s readiness to work closely with them and other relevant institutions to ensure a safer Nigeria.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Ibekwe, said the visit was to identify with the ministry’s efforts and acknowledge the challenges it faces in addressing security threats nationwide.

Ibekwe described security as a collective responsibility and used the occasion to call on Nigerians to support the Ministry of Defence, the Federal Government and security agencies by providing useful information that could help flush out emerging threats.

He urged the ministry to remain focused on delivering the President’s security agenda and pledged the forum’s support, particularly in the area of non-kinetic approaches. According to him, the forum has within its ranks seasoned professionals and security experts who are willing to contribute their expertise to national security efforts.

Members of the forum also encouraged the minister to sustain and improve on his performance, noting that their visit was informed by his track record and credentials in public service.

The visit underscored growing calls for broader stakeholder engagement in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges through both military and non-military means.