Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, is at the center of a political storm as calls grow for his immediate removal, amid allegations linking him to banditry. The demands, led by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), place increasing pressure on President Bola Tinubu to address the country’s security challenges decisively.

Through its Headquarters Senate President, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, NANS described the allegations as “shocking and deeply troubling” and demanded Matawalle’s removal pending a full investigation. The student body warned of nationwide protests within a week if the government fails to act, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and public confidence in national security efforts.

Adding to the criticism, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, a former Zamfara State governorship candidate and APC chieftain, called for the scrapping of Matawalle’s office in a letter sent via the U.S. embassy. Representing the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Shinkafi argued that consolidating command under the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Musa Christopher, is critical for effectively tackling terrorism, banditry, and other crimes. He warned that Matawalle’s continued presence could impede the restructuring and repositioning of the armed forces.

Matawalle, however, strongly defended himself, alleging that a political cabal is orchestrating insecurity to destabilize Tinubu’s administration and sabotage his potential 2027 re-election bid. Drawing parallels to strategies used against former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, he claimed the campaign against him is linked to a high-profile investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow the government, with some politicians reportedly under EFCC scrutiny.

The Minister also cited his role in the recent release of abducted schoolgirls in Birnin Kebbi as a reason for the intensified attacks against him. Addressing accusations from his tenure as Zamfara State Governor (2019–2023), he defended his peace initiatives with bandits, likening them to the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. Matawalle emphasized federal approval under late President Muhammadu Buhari, local stakeholder consent, and tangible outcomes, including arms surrenders, releases of captives, and restored normalcy in farming and markets.

He specifically accused Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party of orchestrating the smear campaign, viewing it as a politically motivated move ahead of the next election. Reiterating his innocence, Matawalle noted that he had sworn publicly on the Holy Qur’an regarding his non-involvement in state insecurity, and affirmed that the investigation into the alleged saboteurs would continue regardless of his position.

As the controversy intensifies, President Tinubu faces mounting pressure to ensure a transparent resolution. The convergence of student demands, political critiques, and Matawalle’s counterclaims underscores the urgent need for accountability to maintain national stability and public confidence.