A coalition of civil society groups has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider redeploying the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, from the Defence Ministry, saying such a step would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing war against terrorism.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism stressed that its recommendation is rooted in national security interests rather than personal criticism of Matawalle. The coalition echoed findings from an assessment report on the counter-terrorism campaign, stressing that suspicions or anxieties among Nigerians about internal vulnerabilities could weaken trust in the government’s security strategy if left unaddressed.
The group argued that insulating the Defence Ministry from perceptions of political influence and ensuring that sensitive security responsibilities are entrusted to officials whose credibility is beyond question would reassure the public and bolster overall confidence in the federal government’s counter-terrorism efforts. It emphasised that, while Nigerians maintain faith in the Armed Forces and President Tinubu’s leadership, concerns about internal weaknesses and divided trust can undermine progress against insurgency and banditry.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s broader security policies and stressed that nationalism and unity are essential components in the fight against terrorism, urging strategic decisions that both protect gains already made and strengthen collaborative national resolve.
