Defence Minister Advocates Prayer and Action for Security

During a special Jumu'ah prayer marking the commencement of the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Defence Minister Dr. Bello Matawalle urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and action to enhance national security. He described this as a civic obligation and emphasized the need for collective responsibility in strengthening the nation’s security.

The event took place at the Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison Central Mosque in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. Brigadier General Usman Musa, the Director of Islamic Affairs in the Nigerian Army, challenged the perception that security rests solely with government institutions, arguing that communities must actively confront criminal activities.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation between residents and security agencies to deny insurgents control over cities. The prayer session was attended by senior military officials, including Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abba, reinforcing the theme of the Nigerian Army Day, which focused on shared security responsibilities.