‘Surgical cleansing needed’: Group urges Tinubu to redeploy Matawalle from defence ministry

A civil society organisation, the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to redeploy Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, citing concerns about credibility and effectiveness in Nigeria’s security effort.

The group made the call on Monday during a press conference in Abuja, where it presented an assessment report on Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against terrorism and banditry.

Speaking for the organisation, Tunji Asaolu, secretary-general of the UN-WCD, said the redeployment of Matawalle had become necessary to address what he described as internal obstacles within the defence system that could be limiting the impact of military operations.

Asaolu commended the expanding military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, noting that recent joint operations had been well-coordinated and effective. He said the group’s assessment showed that the operations were conducted without recorded civilian casualties, despite their scale.

According to him, the collaboration has weakened several terrorist enclaves across the country, though continued attacks show that the security challenge remains unresolved.

He referenced a recent bandit attack in Kasuwan-Daji, Niger state, where more than 30 people were reportedly killed, as an indication that Nigeria’s security framework requires urgent review.

Asaolu said the UN-WCD believes President Tinubu has demonstrated strong political will in confronting terrorism but added that unresolved issues within the defence establishment could undermine those efforts.

He raised concerns about Matawalle’s continued role in the ministry, pointing to allegations linked to his time as governor of Zamfara state, including claims of connections with bandits, which he said continue to generate public debate.

According to Asaolu, retaining a defence minister facing such scrutiny could weaken public confidence and reduce the credibility of the government’s security campaign. He also warned that it could affect recent reforms in military leadership, including the appointment of Christopher Musa as chief of defence staff.

“The fight against terrorism requires trust at every level,” he said. “Credibility gaps at the top can affect both public confidence and operational outcomes.”

The UN-WCD urged the president to consider redeploying Matawalle as an administrative decision aimed at strengthening the defence ministry, rather than as a disciplinary measure.

Asaolu said restoring confidence in the security apparatus is critical to improving effectiveness and sustaining gains made against terrorist groups.