From his days at the National Assembly (NASS) to his emergence as governor of Zamfara State where he left indelible footprints, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, is a performer par excellence.
Indeed, Dr. Matawalle is being celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the country’s war against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency.
As he marks his 56th birthday, Matawalle’s leadership style and commitment to national security have earned him recognition as a fearless champion in the fight against terror.
Under his leadership, Nigeria’s defence apparatus has undergone a significant transformation, marked by well-coordinated military offensives that have struck at the core of terrorist enclaves. The Nigerian Army, in synergy with the Nigerian Air Force, has executed precise airstrikes and ground assaults on insurgent strongholds, resulting in the neutralisation of notorious warlords, dismantling of terror cells, and significant recovery of arms and ammunition.
Some of the notable successes recorded under Matawalle’s leadership include the neutralisation of terrorist commanders: 2,351 terrorists were neutralised, including high-profile warlords like Abu Bilal Minuki, Haruna Isiya Boderi, and Kachallah Damina.
There is also the recovery of arms and ammunition: 2,847 weapons and 58,492 rounds of ammunition were recovered; rescue of kidnapped hostages: 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued; interception of stolen crude oil: N20.3 billion worth of stolen crude oil was intercepted.
Matawalle’s proactive leadership style, which involves immersing himself in the battlefield, has inspired soldiers and reinforced the belief that the government is actively involved in the war against terror. His presence on the frontline has shattered bureaucratic inertia, ushering in an era of relentless pursuit of national security objectives.
The impact of Matawalle’s leadership extends beyond the battlefield. His unwavering commitment to national security has boosted morale among soldiers, who now feel more confident in their ability to tackle insurgency. The successes recorded under his tenure have also bolstered public trust in the government’s ability to address the security challenges facing the country.
Matawalle’s legacy as Nigeria’s “Civilian General” is already being etched in history. His track record is a testament to what can be achieved when leadership meets action. As Nigeria continues to battle insecurity, Matawalle remains a beacon of hope, inspiring a nation to stand strong in the face of adversity.
The successes recorded under Matawalle’s leadership are a result of his bold approach to leadership.
Unlike some leaders who would have remained ensconced in the relative safety of policy chambers, Matawalle chose the road less travelled, one marked by dust, blood, and bullets. His presence on the frontline served as a morale booster for troops, reinforcing the belief that the government was not just issuing commands, but actively involved in the war against terror.
Matawalle’s influence is reminiscent of great military leaders who realized that strategy, willpower, and a readiness to face the enemy head-on are more important factors in winning a war than diplomacy. Under his leadership, Nigeria’s military is now far more operationally prepared, and terrorists who formerly roamed with impunity now flee in terror.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice of Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence was an inspired decision, one that has been vindicated by the string of military successes recorded under his watch. Truly, it takes a leader of foresight to recognize and deploy capable hands, and in Matawalle, Tinubu found a warrior-statesman willing to bear the brunt of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.
For too long, Nigerians have yearned for leaders who do more than make pronouncements, leaders who translate words into action, who see national service not as a privilege but as a duty. Matawalle fits this mold seamlessly. His efforts have reassured a nation once teetering on the brink of despair, proving that with the right leadership, insecurity can be tackled head-on.
However, while much progress has been made, the battle is still far from over. The Matawalle-effect has undoubtedly pushed the terrorists’ factions to lurk in dark corners, seeking opportunities to strike. But with Matawalle at the helm, there is renewed confidence that these elements will be systematically dismantled.
As Matawalle celebrates his 56th birthday, Nigerians can take pride in knowing that they have a leader who embodies the values of courage, resilience, and selflessness. His legacy as Nigeria’s “Civilian General” will continue to inspire generations to come, a reminder that leadership is not just about titles, but about the impact made on the lives of others.
Dr. Bello Matawalle’s achievements as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence are a testament to his unwavering commitment to national security. His proactive leadership style, bold approach to tackling insecurity, and inspiring presence on the frontline have made him a beacon of hope for a nation battling terrorism. As he marks his 56th birthday, Nigerians can celebrate a true national hero, a leader who has demonstrated.
–Umar writes from Jiru, Ardo Kola LG of Taraba State
