The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged military authorities to shift their mindset to embrace innovation, sustainability, and strategic foresight in tackling emerging security threats in the country, as well as addressing logistics and mobility challenges in the military.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged the Nigerian military to adopt a forward-thinking approach to security, logistics, and energy efficiency, calling for a shift toward innovation, sustainability, and strategic foresight in confronting emerging threats.

Speaking on Monday at the Mogadishu Cantonment Parade Ground, Abuja, while commissioning over 80 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles converted by the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) for the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Matawalle said the Defence Ministry remained committed to policies that bolster national security while aligning with Nigeria’s economic and environmental goals.

He praised the Armed Forces for pioneering the public sector’s transition to cleaner energy by migrating part of its fleet to CNG to reduce fuel costs and support the broader national agenda on energy transition.

“This move is not just about energy efficiency; it demonstrates innovation and adaptability in military logistics and mobility,” the minister stated. “It’s the beginning of a long-term, systematic shift—not a one-off event.”

Matawalle also tasked the military high command with building supporting infrastructure, including CNG refuelling stations across bases, and investing in the training of technical personnel to maintain the systems.

He emphasized the need for sustainability to be embedded in logistics planning and procurement operations, adding that the initiative’s success was made possible through inter-agency collaboration and the support of partners in the energy and automotive sectors.

“I commend the Defence Headquarters, the Chief of Defence Staff, and all the Services for embracing this initiative with dedication and enthusiasm,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa described the deployment of CNG-powered vehicles as a strategic step aligned with global best practices in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring fuel-efficient, cost-effective military operations.

“CNG provides a cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy source,” Musa said, adding that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes innovation and sustainable development.

Chief of Defence Logistics, Major General John Ochigbano, recalled that the Federal Government initiated the Pi-CNG to shift the country’s transportation and energy systems from petrol to natural gas, describing it as a cost-effective and cleaner alternative.

In his goodwill message, Michael Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive of the Pi-CNG, pledged continued support to the Armed Forces in achieving their clean energy goals.

Military Offensive: 10 Terrorists Killed in Lake Chad Operation

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized at least 10 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a successful offensive on their hideouts in the southern Lake Chad region, Borno State.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for Theatre Command, said the operation took place between Rann and Gamboru Ngala, near the Cameroon border at Manawaji.

“Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, troops eliminated 10 terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including anti-aircraft rounds suspected to have been looted from an earlier attack on Cameroonian forces,” the statement read.

The operation, according to Kovangiya, is part of efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action in line with directives from the Chief of Defence Staff.

Police Arrest Notorious Kidnappers in Abuja, Kaduna

In a related development, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested three notorious kidnappers during a sting operation spanning Abuja and Kaduna.

FCT Police PRO, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the suspects—Abdulkadir Abubakar (Mpape, FCT), Mohammed Tasiu Sani (25, Rigina, Kaduna), and Suleiman Jibrin (27, Sabon-Gayan, Kaduna)—were apprehended on June 29 based on actionable intelligence.

Led by ACP Victor Godfrey, the operation uncovered links between the suspects and kidnapping activities across Jere, Kajuru, and parts of the FCT. A motorcycle used in their operations, locally dubbed a “Boko Haram bike,” was recovered.

“The suspects are in custody and are assisting with further investigations to dismantle their criminal network,” Adeh said.

FCT Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale praised the bravery of the operatives and urged residents to support law enforcement with credible intelligence to ensure lasting peace in the capital and surrounding areas.