Tinubu’s Urgent Directive: President’s Call from China Sends Defence Chiefs to Sokoto

Sokoto, Nigeria – In a clear demonstration of commitment to addressing security concerns in Northern Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed a high-level visit to Sokoto, highlighting his administration’s focus on tackling the region’s pressing issues. This directive came directly from the President while he was on an official trip to China, underscoring the gravity of the situation and his hands-on approach to governance.

According to Punch Newspaper, Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, revealed that President Tinubu had personally called him and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, from China. The President instructed them to immediately prioritize the security situation in Sokoto and oversee ongoing military operations in the North-West. This call, made amid concerns about regional representation and fairness in recent appointments, reflects Tinubu’s strategic emphasis on stabilizing the North-West.

Matawalle’s visit to the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji at the 8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto was more than a routine inspection. It was a direct response to the President’s concerns about the security challenges in the North-West, a region plagued by insurgency and banditry. The minister emphasized that the President’s appointments and focus on Northern security roles are part of a broader strategy to address these persistent threats.

During the visit, Matawalle and Gen. Musa reviewed the operations and assessed the needs of the troops. The President’s directive was clear: ensure that the military’s efforts against criminal elements are fully supported and that troops are equipped and motivated. This visit also served as a morale boost for the soldiers, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to their mission and the importance of restoring peace in the region.

Matawalle addressed the troops, stating, “The President is deeply concerned about the situation in the North-West. He called me and the Chief of Defence Staff from China and directed us to immediately suspend whatever we were doing and come down to Sokoto. He emphasized the urgency of supervising the ongoing operations and ensuring our troops have everything they need to combat the criminals destabilizing our region.”

This high-level intervention highlights President Tinubu’s proactive stance on regional security and his administration’s determination to address the North-West’s challenges head-on. The direct involvement of top officials, even during international engagements, underscores the administration’s commitment to achieving stability and peace in one of Nigeria’s most troubled regions.