By SHUAIB SADIQ

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa rtd has lauded the Zamfara Government for its significant investment in modern security assets in the effort to tackle the insecurity that had been bedevilled in the state for more than a decade.

Musa made the remarks while unveiling newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and a state-of-the-art Surveillance Drone Architecture procured by the Zamfara Government on Wednesday in Gusau.

He said that the investments would enhance operational effectiveness, improve intelligence gathering, and reinforce rapid response to security threats.

The minister pointed out that, the newly inaugurated assets would contribute meaningfully to broader national objectives and reflect a shared determination to secure every part of the the state

Musa said he has firsthand knowledge of the operational realities confronting security personnel across the nation.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide strategic coordination and support to ensure security institutions are properly equipped, professionally trained, and fully prepared to confront threats to peace, stability, and national unity.

According to him, equipment and facilities alone cannot guarantee security, stressing that, assets must be matched with discipline, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights by the personnel entrusted with them.

The Minister urged the members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to handle the new assets with a high sense of responsibility, as the people of Zamfara expect tangible improvements in safety and peace.

Musa charged the security operatives to discharge their duties with integrity and restraint, while acting decisively within the rules of engagement to protect lives, communities, and property.

He emphasised that the assets must be used strictly for lawful purposes and in line with constitutional mandates, warning against any abuse that could infringe on the rights of citizens.

The minister further said that security is a shared responsibility, stressing the importance of community cooperation through credible information sharing, collective vigilance, and mutual trust between citizens and security agencies.Musa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support to national security institutions and his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

The minister noted that the ongoing and future infrastructure projects, including the state airport, would further support security operations by improving logistics and deployment capabilities.

Ealier, Gov. Dauda Lawal reassured his administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring enduring peace and security across Zamfara State.

Lawal explained that modern security management goes beyond equipment to include intelligence-driven operations, discipline, and effective coordination.

The Governor assured that his administration would continue to invest in the critical areas in the effort to address multiple challenges being faced by the communities ravage by banditry.

He described the current intervention as just the tip of the iceberg in Zamfara’s comprehensive security reform agenda.

Lawal said that under the leadership of Tinubu, national defence allocations have remained above ₦3 trillion in recent federal budgets, reflecting strong national commitment to strengthening frontline operations and supporting sub-national stabilization efforts.

The governor described the newly commissioned assets as structured public investments and a symbol of collective trust.

He expressed satisfaction with the emphasis placed by the minister of defence on professionalism and proper handling of the equipment.

Lawal stated that long-term effectiveness depended on disciplined stewardship, intelligence-led diplomacy, strict maintenance schedules, and uncompromised operational standards.

The governor paid glowing tributes to officers and soldiers serving under demanding conditions, assuring the officers, men and their families of the government’s support.

Lawal said the government's responsibility goes beyond commendation but to ensuring security personnel were adequately equipped with protective and operational tools to effectively carry out their constitutional mandate of safeguarding lives and property.

He expressed optimism that the collective efforts of the federal and state governments, collaborating with security agencies and communities, would strengthen Zamfara and the Nation. (NAN)