Insecurity: Northern group slams calls for Matawalle’s resignation

The Northern Elders Progressive Group has fired back at those calling for the resignation of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, branding the criticisms as “mischievous, exaggerated, and politically motivated.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Sokoto on Tuesday, the group’s coordinator, Yusuf Abubakar, said the renewed attacks on Matawalle were part of a calculated political script rather than an honest assessment of the country’s security efforts.

Abubakar said attempts to pin lingering insecurity in the North-West on the Defence Ministry were “deliberately unfair,” arguing that such narratives ignore the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges and ongoing reforms under Matawalle’s watch.

According to him, Matawalle has overseen key defence upgrades — from modernising military hardware to strengthening coordination among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence agencies.

He cited recent operations, including the coordinated rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, the sustained surrender of insurgents in the North-East, and the disruption of kidnapping networks across parts of the North-Central.

“Increased maritime patrols have also curbed oil theft in the South-South, while operations in the South-East continue to dismantle criminal cells,” he added.

On the North-West, Abubakar said federal troops have intensified airstrikes, destroyed several bandit camps, and blocked major supply routes — actions he told were slowly restoring security in frontline communities.

He also highlighted improvements in troop welfare, including upgraded allowances, better logistics, and new surveillance equipment such as tactical drones and rapid-response vehicles.

“Abandoned communities are returning to life, farmers are going back to their farms, and intelligence-sharing with locals is now far more effective,” Abubakar said.

He insisted that the coordinated media attacks on Matawalle stem from political rivalries within the region, warning that weaponising national security for political gain could demoralise security personnel and sabotage ongoing operations.

Abubakar praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting Matawalle and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu with key roles, describing both men as “competent hands delivering results.”

“What Nigeria needs at this critical time is cooperation, not reckless politicisation,” he said.

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