By Milcah Tanimu

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have issued a resounding vote of confidence in the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, commending their unwavering dedication to the fight against insurgency, particularly in Zamfara state. The CSOs, represented by the Association of Concerned Citizens across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, alongside over 200 partner CSOs, conveyed their endorsement during a protest in Abuja. The convener, Comrade Ekimini Bassy, highlighted the significant improvements in security achieved under the ministers’ leadership, resulting in increased foreign investor confidence and positive impacts on oil production. The CSOs applauded the ministers’ tireless commitment, citing a noticeable reduction in attacks and insurgency-related incidents across various regions, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and the Niger Delta. The national secretary of the coalition, Comrade Mohammed Zaradine, emphasized the tangible progress in the fight against insurgency, attributing it to the ministers’ strategic approach in confronting the perpetrators directly. Representatives from all six geopolitical zones also spoke to the media, underscoring the ministers’ impactful contributions to the protection of lives and properties at both the state and national levels.