Defence Minister Seeks Increased Funding To Combat Terrorism, Banditry

Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has urged increased collaboration and funding for the defence sector to effectively combat and eliminate banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation.

The minister made this appeal while presenting the 2025 Budget Proposal for the Ministry of Defence to the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Defence at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The minister underscored the importance of robust collaboration with lawmakers, commending the unwavering commitment and cooperative efforts of the House and Senate Committees on Defence.

Matawalle, in a statement by Daberechi Asonye (SIO) for the director of information, Ministry of Defense, said the National Assembly’s steadfast support has been instrumental in the ministry’s achievements to date.

Addressing the critical issue of funding, he described the current budget as insufficient given the modern security challenges faced by the nation.

He said, “With the right equipment, we can significantly resolve the battle against banditry,”.

He stated further that the Ministry of Defense is tasked with providing essential equipment to various regions, a goal that remains unfulfilled due to budget constraints.

He said, “In 2024, we could only procure some Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). We need more APCs to tackle insecurity swiftly.”

The minister hoped that the legislative bodies would consider increasing the Ministry of Defense’s budget allocation, providing necessary equipment to areas experiencing fresh attacks and facilitating decisive action against banditry.

He expressed gratitude to the committee leadership for their continued support, emphasising that their cooperation has significantly contributed to the ministry’s progress.

According to the statement, the committees’ leadership, in response, assured Matawalle of their ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Defense to ensure the successful realisation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Mantra.