A United States lawmaker from Florida has called for the immediate removal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, citing allegations of ties to bandit groups and concerns over worsening insecurity across parts of the country.
The call was made by Kimberly Daniels, who also serves as Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), in a report released on April 14, 2026. The report urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reassess leadership within the defence ministry amid renewed attacks in the North-Central and Northwestern regions.
Daniels described the recent wave of violence—particularly attacks during the Easter period—as evidence of a growing disconnect between official assurances and the security realities faced by citizens. The report referenced deadly incidents in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue states, where dozens of worshippers were reportedly killed in coordinated assaults on churches and communities.
According to the UN-WCD assessment, allegations surrounding Matawalle’s tenure as former governor of Zamfara State raise “credibility and integrity concerns,” including claims of engagement with bandit leaders and controversial handling of ransom payments. The report argued that such allegations, whether proven or not, undermine both public trust and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The retention of leadership under such clouds of suspicion poses strategic risks to national and international confidence,” the report stated, recommending an immediate leadership review, transparent investigation into the allegations, and stronger security protections for vulnerable communities.
Matawalle, who served as Zamfara governor from 2019 to 2023 before his appointment as minister, has consistently denied any links to banditry. His supporters maintain that he led aggressive anti-banditry efforts during his time in office and continues to contribute to ongoing military operations.
President Tinubu has condemned the recent attacks and reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity. However, the Florida lawmaker’s intervention adds an international dimension to mounting domestic pressure for decisive action.
Nigeria’s northwest and Middle Belt regions have faced persistent violence from armed groups, including bandits and insurgents, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement over the past decade.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the federal government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of security challenges and the leadership tasked with addressing them.