The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has issued a strongly worded commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, over what the group described as the “strategic and exemplary leadership” that led to the peaceful recovery of the 24 kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
In a statement released to journalists, the NDYC praised President Tinubu for what it called his “remarkable intuitiveness and clarity of judgment” in deploying Dr. Bello Matawalle to take charge of the highly sensitive situation. According to the group, the President’s decision demonstrated a deep awareness of Nigeria’s complex security landscape and an unwavering commitment to the protection of citizens.
The statement highlighted Dr. Matawalle’s “measured diplomacy, calm disposition and intelligent coordination,” noting that his handling of the matter reflected uncommon capacity and maturity. The NDYC said the Minister’s approach, anchored on tact, discretion and strategic engagement, was central to securing the safe return of the students without confrontation.
According to the group, the outcome not only brought relief to the affected families and Kebbi State but also reinforced public confidence in the Federal Government’s ability to respond effectively to sensitive security challenges.
The NDYC further urged President Tinubu to consolidate on this momentum by establishing a Special Presidential Task Force on Banditry and Kidnapping, recommending that Dr. Matawalle be appointed to lead it. The group argued that his demonstrated competence in managing high-stakes security issues made him exceptionally suited to spearhead a coordinated national response to banditry, kidnapping and other related threats.
The Congress also acknowledged the roles played by security agencies, community actors and traditional institutions in achieving the peaceful outcome, while celebrating the courage and resilience of the rescued girls.
The statement concluded with a call for sustained strategic leadership, stating that the Kebbi incident proved that Nigeria’s security challenges were not insurmountable when decisive action and competent hands are brought to bear.