Coalition Demands Matawalle’s Removal Over Alleged Bandit Links

The National Coalition Against Terrorism (NCAT) has called on President Bola Tinubu to act on recent reports by U.S. Congresswoman Kimberly Daniels, which recommended the sacking or redeployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The coalition made the call on Friday during a press conference in Abuja, where its Convener, Marvin Ibe, said the recommendations were in Nigeria’s best interest and should not be ignored.

Daniels, who is also the Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) and Chairperson of African Affairs in the U.S. Parliament has been campaigning against religious extremism across Africa.

In her report, copied to the United States Secretary of State, member states, and the Nigerian Presidency,she stated that public confidence in Matawalle had declined, while recommending his removal or redeployment.

Speaking on behalf of NCAT, Ibe stressed the urgency of rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly among global partners.

He noted that restoring confidence in the military was critical, adding that “every element of suspicion must be discouraged,” especially in matters affecting the lives of both soldiers and civilians.

The coalition referenced allegations and counter-allegations surrounding Matawalle’s tenure as former governor of Zamfara State, including claims of links with bandits.

Ibe cited videos allegedly showing testimonies from former aides, which he said suggested interactions involving negotiations and exchanges with armed groups.

Quoting Daniels’ position, Ibe said the most dangerous form of terrorism stems from “homegrown enemies,” warning that compromised trust within security leadership could have devastating consequences.

NCAT declared full support for the U.S. lawmaker’s position, insisting that Nigerians had lost confidence in Matawalle due to the allegations and what it described as a lack of requisite experience for managing the Defence Ministry.

“We totally align ourselves with Kimberly Daniels and call for the immediate sack or redeployment of Bello Matawalle,” Ibe said, adding that ignoring such intelligence would be a disservice to the country’s fight against terrorism.

The group further argued that international intelligence sharing, particularly from the United States, has contributed to reshaping Nigeria’s security strategy, urging the Tinubu administration to take decisive action.

It also dismissed claims that the President alone bears responsibility for national security decisions, and noted that delegated officials must be held accountable for their roles.

Describing the report as “unique intelligence” capable of transforming Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts, NCAT warned against dismissing it, stressing that swift action was necessary to prevent further security deterioration.

The coalition also raised concerns about alleged leaks of sensitive security information, suggesting that redeploying Matawalle could help restore both domestic and international confidence.

NCAT further urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to track and prosecute financiers of terrorism to curb insurgency and restore national stability.