Matawalle In China To Bolster Nigerian Defence Capabilities

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18 Terrorists Neutralised as OPHK Hits High-Profile Meeting Point in Borno By ZAKAA LAZARUS The Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has destroyed a terrorist enclave and neutralised over 18 fighters in Tumbunma Baba, Tumbuns area of Borno State. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, on 11 September, 2026. According to the statement, the operation involved a force package of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack platforms working in close coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 OPHK. The operation was based on credible intelligence gathered over the past weeks indicating the presence of high-profile terrorist elements using the islands as convergence points for meetings and logistics. The intelligence was validated through surveillance by Theatre Command and confirmatory ISR from Wednesday, 9 September 2026, which identified several terrorist structures and logistics hubs in the location. The kinetic operation was executed in the early hours of Friday, 11 September 2026. Following positive identification, air platforms engaged the designated targets with precision munitions while ground troops occupied likely escape routes for direct fire engagements. The statement said the air strikes successfully destroyed targeted structures and neutralised over 18 terrorist elements. A post-strike assessment indicated an estimated 85 per cent success in achieving the intended operational objectives. The Army noted that the operation dealt “a significant blow to terrorist activities in the area, disrupting their logistics and degrading their ability to use the enclave as a gathering and support base.” It added that the outcome underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation, and coordinated air-ground synergy. OPHK assured that it will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations “to deny terrorist elements the freedom to operate, regroup or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the Theatre,” working in concert with all security agencies and stakeholders. Members of the public were also encouraged to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security forces to support ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities across the North East Theatre.

September 12, 2026

Scores of Terrorist, Family Surrender to Troops in Borno, as Military Sustains Operations Nationwide

September 12, 2026

By ZAKAA LAZARUS.

In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, is participating in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipments.


The meeting took place in China and aimed to strengthen strategic defence ties between Nigeria and China.

The primary focus of this engagement was to formalize a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Chinese company has committed to investing in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, with a comprehensive partnership that includes:

• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria.
• Local Production: Establishing local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment.
• Capacity Building: Providing technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.

Furthermore Matawalle,highlighted key areas of collaboration to include the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services. Importantly, this partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability.

He emphasized that this landmark engagement represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s defence modernization agenda. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base.

In addition to these initiatives, the agreement encompasses the construction of new production lines for various ammunition types, including:

• 7.62×51mm ball cartridges
• 7.62×51mm blank cartridges
• 9×19mm pistol cartridges
• Machine gun ammunition

Furthermore, new manufacturing workshops and facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defence components.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s security and defence capabilities,” he stated.