Insecurity: Group condemn calls for Matawalle resignation, says it’s politically motivated

Gbolahan Salman Sokoto

The Northern Elders Progressive Group has condemned renewed calls for the resignation of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing the criticisms as “mischievous, exaggerated and politically driven.”

Speaking at a press conference in Sokoto on Tuesday, the group’s coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, said recent media attacks on the minister were part of a wider political manoeuvre, despite what he described as notable gains recorded in federal security operations across the country.

Abubakar argued that attempts to tie persistent insecurity in parts of the North-West to alleged failures in the Ministry of Defence ignored the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape and downplayed reforms introduced since Matawalle assumed office.

According to him, “the minister has driven key defence reforms aimed at modernising military capabilities, improving inter-agency coordination, and enhancing joint operations among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence agencies.

“The coordinated rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, is part of proof of improved synergy within the defence system, alongside similar breakthroughs in the North-East, where more insurgents have surrendered, and in the North-Central, where kidnapping networks along major highways have been disrupted”

Abubakar added that increased maritime patrols in the South-South have curbed oil theft, while targeted operations in the South-East continue to dismantle violent criminal groups.

Focusing on the North-West, he said federal troops have intensified offensives under Matawalle’s watch, with coordinated airstrikes, destruction of bandit camps, and disruption of supply routes contributing to a gradual restoration of security.

He also noted improvements in troop welfare, including enhanced allowances, better logistics, and the deployment of new surveillance tools such as tactical drones and rapid-response vehicles.

“Many abandoned communities have been restored, farmers are returning to their farmlands, and intelligence-sharing with local communities has significantly improved,” he said.

Abubakar insisted that mounting attacks on Matawalle were rooted in political rivalries within the North-West, warning that politicising national security could demoralise security personnel and undermine ongoing operations.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Matawalle and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to strategic positions, describing both men as competent and experienced.

“As Nigeria continues to battle diverse security threats, what the country needs is collaboration, not unnecessary politicisation,” he added.