The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, today, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, attended the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2024. The event, scheduled to commence on the 26th and conclude on the 28th of March 2024 at the DHQ Conference Room, brought together key stakeholders to reflect on past achievements and strategize for future endeavors under the theme “Consolidating Operational Successes across all Theatres of Operations.”
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, who was the Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the significance of the conference as a platform to acknowledge the remarkable progress made in safeguarding the nation’s interests while also acknowledging the need to learn from past challenges.
He stated: “This gathering serves as an opportunity to note significant strides we have made in safeguarding the lives and properties of our citizens as well as reflecting on lessons learnt from errors made in our various theatres of operations.”
Emphasizing the importance of jointness in military operations, the Minister reiterated the necessity for a cohesive and integrated approach to address the evolving security landscape. He stressed that: “The constantly revolving dynamics of the security challenges we are facing require corresponding strategies that incorporate a holistic and integrated approach to warfare where synergy among our services is paramount.”
Acknowledging the pivotal role of local communities in the fight against insurgency and criminality, Matawalle underscored the need for establishing trust and cooperation with the civilian population. He affirmed that: “The locals are not merely bystanders in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality; they are one of the most valuable allies. Thus, we must show them that we are here to protect them.”
Furthermore, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians. He remarked, “At this juncture, I would like to reemphasize the commitment of this administration led by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to permanently secure the safety and property of all Nigerians.”
In conclusion, the Honourable Minister unveiled the book Complexity Military Operation: Operation Hadin Kai in Perspectives written by Major General Edward S. Buba and also urged participants to approach the conference with an open mind and a resolute determination to prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens.
The Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2024 serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and devising innovative strategies to address prevailing security challenges and consolidate operational successes across all theatres of operations.