The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to restoring peace during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday. The trip, part of an operational assessment of the North-East's security situation, included meetings with military officials and traditional leaders. At the Nigerian Air Force Base, they were received by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General A.E. Abubakar. The ministers visited the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, expressing solidarity with the people and pledging the Armed Forces' continued efforts toward stability. The Shehu acknowledged the cross-border nature of security threats and affirmed the Borno Emirate Council's support for military operations. At the Borno State Government House, the ministers met Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur Usman, who commended the Armed Forces for their resilience. They paid homage to fallen soldiers at the Military Cemetery in Maimalari Cantonment. At the Theatre Command Headquarters, they received a security briefing, inspected the Command and Control Centre, and commissioned newly renovated quarters for troops. Addressing service members, Musa and Matawalle relayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commendation for their dedication and urged intensified efforts toward lasting peace.
A ministerial visit does not alter the reality on the ground in Borno, where insurgents still move with troubling frequency. General Musa and Dr Matawalle offered reassurance, but troops hear promises more often than progress. The commissioning of renovated barracks is visible, yet symbolic without corresponding gains in intelligence and mobility. Nigerians in the North-East need fewer speeches and more results.
