The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called on military authorities to adopt forward-thinking strategies that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking during the commissioning of over 80 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles for the Defence Headquarters at Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja on Tuesday, Matawalle said the initiative signals the start of a long-term shift in military logistics, energy use, and environmental responsibility.
“This transition to cleaner energy is not a one-off event but the beginning of systemic change. I am glad that the military is taking the lead in the public sector’s transition to CNG,” he said.
The vehicles, converted under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (Pi-CNG), are expected to cut down fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency across the armed forces.
Matawalle urged the military high command to complement this initiative by developing CNG infrastructure, including fueling stations across bases, and training personnel to manage the technology. He emphasized that the Defence Ministry remains committed to policies that strengthen national security while aligning with Nigeria’s economic and environmental priorities.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, lauded the move, saying it reflects the federal government’s commitment to sustainable development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“CNG provides a cleaner, safer, and more affordable alternative to traditional fuels, making our logistics strategy more aligned with global best practices,” Musa said.
Earlier, Chief of Defence Logistics, Major General John Ochigbano, described the transition as key to moving Nigeria’s transportation and energy base from petrol to natural gas. The CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, also pledged continued support to the armed forces in achieving clean energy goals.
In related developments, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed no fewer than 10 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during a coordinated raid in the southern Lake Chad region of Borno State.
According to Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the offensive took place between Rann and Gamboru Ngala, near the Cameroon border. The operation resulted in an intense firefight, leaving several terrorists dead and a cache of arms and ammunition recovered, including anti-aircraft rounds allegedly looted from a previous attack on Cameroonian forces.
Troops were commended for their bravery and reaffirmed their commitment to deny terrorists freedom of movement in the region.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command arrested three notorious and wanted kidnappers during a coordinated operation across Abuja and Kaduna.
The suspects — Abdulkadir Abubakar of Mpape (FCT), Mohammed Tasiu Sani (25), and Suleiman Jibrin (27) of Kaduna — were captured in an operation led by ACP Victor Godfrey, following actionable intelligence.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the suspects operated kidnapping camps in the Kachia and Rigina forests of Kaduna State and were linked to several abductions across Jere, Kajuru, and the FCT.
Police recovered an operational motorcycle, often referred to as a “Boko Haram bike,” and are working to apprehend more suspects and recover additional weapons.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, praised the officers involved and urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts with credible information.
