The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to end insecurity across Nigeria, announcing renewed strategies focused on proactive operations, strategic planning, improved military capacity and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, made the commitment on Monday in Kano during a condolence and security assessment visit to the Kano State Government House.
The visit followed the bandit attack recorded on August 29, 2026, in Chiroma Village, Garun Mallam Local Government Area of Kano State. 
Matawalle assured the Kano State Government and residents that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to defeating insecurity and restoring sustainable peace across the country.
FG Developing Five-Year Defence and Security Plan
The Defence Minister disclosed that President Tinubu had constituted a committee to develop a Five-Year Defence and Security Plan to provide a long-term framework for addressing security threats across the country.
“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.
According to the Minister, the initiative is expected to strengthen the country’s overall security planning and provide a more coordinated approach to emerging threats.
He said the Federal Government would continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the resources required to protect communities and respond effectively to security challenges.
Military Launches Rescue Operation After Attack
Matawalle also disclosed that a joint rescue operation was launched following the Garun Mallam incident.
According to him, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Kano, Brigadier General Jimoh, led the operation alongside 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.
Matawalle commended the troops for their courage and prompt response, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“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.
Matawalle Promises More Military Support for Kano
The Minister further assured the Kano State Government that the Federal Government would increase its support for security operations in the state.
He said additional fighting vehicles, weapons and other operational enablers would be deployed to improve the capacity of security forces operating across Kano.
The planned support, he said, was part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities.
Matawalle reiterated that the government remained determined to provide security agencies with the necessary resources to safeguard lives and property and protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Minister Calls for Collective Action Against Insecurity
The Minister stressed that defeating insecurity would require cooperation among the federal, state and local governments, as well as active participation from citizens.
“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 stated.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing attacks and responding to threats.
Matawalle maintained that government efforts alone would not be sufficient without the cooperation of communities and other stakeholders.
Closed-Door Security Meeting Held in Kano
Earlier in the visit, Matawalle held a closed-door security meeting with commanders of 3 Brigade and other security formations in Kano.
During the meeting, the Minister charged the commanders to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations and redouble their efforts to secure communities across the state.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the operational resources required by security agencies to confront threats and protect Nigerians.
The Minister’s visit also provided an opportunity for federal and state authorities to assess the security situation following the attack in Chiroma Village and review ongoing responses to insecurity in affected communities.
Kano Governor Pledges Continued Cooperation
The Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, thanked the Defence Minister for visiting the state and expressing the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Kano’s security efforts.
The Governor pledged the continued cooperation of the Kano State Government with the Federal Government and security agencies.
“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 said the state government had taken note of the President’s commitment to addressing insecurity and would continue working with the Federal Government to prevent the security challenge from taking root in the state.
“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.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Peace
The Federal Government’s renewed commitment comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to protect communities affected by banditry and kidnapping.
Matawalle said the administration would continue to strengthen security operations, improve strategic planning and provide the Armed Forces with the necessary support to respond to threats.
He maintained that the ultimate objective of the government’s security strategy was to safeguard lives and property while creating conditions for Nigerians to live and pursue their economic activities without fear.
The Minister’s assurances in Kano, coupled with the planned Five-Year Defence and Security Plan and additional operational support for security agencies, underscore the Federal Government’s stated determination to adopt a more coordinated and long-term approach to tackling insecurity.
The government also reiterated the importance of cooperation between security agencies, state authorities and local communities in ensuring that ongoing operations translate into lasting security and stability.
