By Julius Peter
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to end insecurity across the country, announcing the deployment of new strategies, enhanced military capabilities and stronger collaboration among federal, state and local authorities to restore peace and protect communities.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, gave the assurance on Monday in Kano during a condolence and security assessment visit to the Kano State Government House following the bandit attack recorded on August 29, 2026, in Chiroma Village, Garun Mallam Local Government Area of the state.
Matawalle, who conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathy to the Kano State Government and the affected communities, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to defeating terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity threatening the country.
According to him, the government is adopting a more proactive and strategic approach to security, with emphasis on long-term planning, improved operational capacity and closer cooperation between security agencies and sub-national governments.
The Minister disclosed that President Tinubu had constituted a committee to develop a Five-Year Defence and Security Plan that would provide a comprehensive framework for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“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,” Matawalle said.
He explained that the plan was expected to strengthen the country’s security architecture by providing a coordinated direction for military and other security operations over the coming years.
Matawalle also disclosed that security forces responded swiftly to the Garun Mallam incident, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims in parts of the local government area.
According to him, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Kano, Brigadier General Jimoh, led a joint rescue operation involving personnel of the Joint Task Force from the Hawan-Kwano and Kwanar Dangora camps.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of kidnapped victims around the Yan-Kifi Bridge and Marabar Kwari areas of Garun Mallam Local Government Area.
The Minister commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and prompt response to the security incident, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to provide the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the resources required to effectively confront security threats.
He said the government was determined to strengthen the operational capacity of the nation’s security forces and ensure that communities affected by insecurity were adequately protected.
“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.
As part of efforts to strengthen security operations in Kano State, the Minister assured the state government that additional military equipment would be deployed to support ongoing operations.
He specifically mentioned the deployment of additional fighting vehicles, weapons and other operational enablers to improve the ability of security forces to respond to threats and protect vulnerable communities.
Matawalle said the Federal Government recognised the need to continuously improve the capacity of troops operating in areas affected by banditry and other forms of criminality.
He reiterated that the government would continue to provide the necessary resources to enable the Armed Forces and other security agencies to effectively safeguard lives and property.
Before his engagement with the Kano State Government, the Minister held a closed-door security meeting with commanders of 3 Brigade and other military formations in the state.
During the meeting, he charged the commanders to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and intensify efforts to secure communities across Kano and adjoining areas.
The Minister’s engagement with the military commanders was part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to assess operational challenges, strengthen coordination and ensure that security formations remain responsive to emerging threats.
He stressed the importance of proactive intelligence, effective deployment of personnel and equipment, and sustained operations against criminal elements.
Matawalle also called for greater cooperation among the federal, state and local governments, as well as citizens, in the fight against insecurity.
He noted that no single level of government could successfully address the country’s security challenges without effective collaboration with other stakeholders.
“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 said.
The Minister urged citizens to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.
He maintained that community cooperation and effective intelligence gathering remained essential components of efforts to prevent attacks and apprehend criminal elements.
Speaking during the visit, the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, thanked the Minister for visiting the state following the attack and for the Federal Government’s continued support in addressing security concerns.
The Governor pledged the state’s continued cooperation with the Federal Government and security agencies to protect residents and maintain peace across Kano.
“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,” Yusuf said.
He added that the state government had taken note of President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity and would continue to support efforts aimed at preventing the menace from taking root 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 added.
The Minister’s visit comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security operations and respond more effectively to threats against communities across the country.
The administration has continued to emphasise the need for improved coordination among the Armed Forces, other security agencies and state governments, while also stressing the importance of intelligence-led operations.
Matawalle said the Federal Government remained determined to provide the resources and institutional support necessary to safeguard lives and property, protect communities and preserve the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He said the government’s long-term security strategy, combined with enhanced operational capabilities and stronger intergovernmental cooperation, would help address the root causes and manifestations of insecurity.
The Minister’s assurances are expected to provide reassurance to residents of Kano and other communities affected by banditry and kidnapping, particularly as security agencies intensify operations to prevent further attacks and rescue victims.
The Federal Government has consequently urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist in preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks.
With the planned Five-Year Defence and Security Plan, increased military support for affected states and renewed emphasis on joint operations, the government says it is determined to move from reactive responses to a more proactive and sustained approach in the fight against insecurity.
