US Lawmaker Calls for Removal of Matawalle Over Alleged Links to Bandit

US Lawmaker Calls for Removal of Matawalle Over Alleged Links to Bandit

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

A United States lawmaker has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns over alleged links to bandit groups and worsening insecurity.

The call was made by Kimberly Daniels in a report released on April 14 under the platform of the Supreme Council of the United World Congress of Diplomats. The report, supported by members from several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria and Ghana, questioned Matawalle’s continued stay in office.

Daniels urged the Nigerian government to “look inward” and take decisive steps to address what she described as lapses in the country’s security leadership.

The report came against the backdrop of recent attacks during the Easter period, when gunmen struck communities in parts of Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa states, leaving dozens dead.

It described the incidents as part of a growing wave of violence targeting vulnerable communities, with concerns raised over the gap between official assurances and the situation on the ground.

While the Federal Government has condemned the attacks, the report said there was a “growing disconnection between government rhetoric and the reality of safety.”

Matawalle, who served as governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023 before his appointment as minister, has faced past allegations of links to bandit groups, claims he has repeatedly denied.

The report, however, flagged what it called “credibility and integrity concerns,” pointing to allegations of dealings with bandit leaders during his time as governor. It also raised issues around governance and questioned whether his background aligns with the demands of the defence role.

“These are red flags for Nigeria’s security architecture,” the document noted, adding that such concerns could affect both public confidence and international perception.

The report referenced claims made by the current Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, who had accused his predecessor of engaging with bandit leaders. It also cited allegations from clerics and other sources, though Matawalle and his supporters have consistently rejected the claims as politically motivated.

Daniels said the findings of the assessment raised “grave concern” about retaining the minister at a time when the country is battling insecurity across multiple regions.

The report called for a review of the defence leadership, urging the Nigerian government to consider redeployment or removal as part of efforts to restore confidence. It also recommended a transparent investigation into the allegations and stronger protection for communities affected by violence.

It noted that insecurity in the North-West and North-Central regions has persisted for years, with banditry, kidnappings and communal clashes continuing to claim lives and displace residents.

Despite ongoing military operations, the report said the scale of recent attacks shows the need for stronger coordination and trust in the security system.

The intervention adds to growing pressure on the government to address concerns over security and accountability, particularly in the wake of repeated attacks on communities.