Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that recent attacks on his reputation are politically driven and linked to the fears of individuals who believe that the government’s ongoing security reforms threaten their ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. Matawalle made the remarks in a statement issued by his media aide, Ibrahim Dosara, where he addressed what he described as coordinated efforts to tarnish his image and discredit his contributions to Nigeria’s security sector.
According to Matawalle, the criticisms he has faced in recent weeks are not genuine concerns but part of a “malicious and politically sponsored campaign” aimed at weakening public trust in him and distracting him from his responsibilities. He said those behind the smear campaigns are politicians who have become uncomfortable with the progress being recorded in defence reforms and the renewed fight against insecurity across the country.
In the statement, the minister said he remains committed to national service despite the attacks. “Public service demands courage, consistency, and a commitment to truth,” he explained, adding that he would not allow politically motivated narratives to distract him from carrying out his duties.
Matawalle said he has watched his critics circulate what he described as “false allegations and malicious narratives,” insisting that none of the claims being made against him are tied to reality. He accused his opponents of using sensitive security matters as political weapons, which he warned could undermine national stability and public confidence in government institutions.
“Attempts to drag my name into unrelated events are nothing but desperate political propaganda,” the minister said.
Matawalle alleged that the goal of those attacking him is not to discuss solutions to insecurity but to gain political relevance. He said these individuals are driven by the fear that the government’s strengthened approach to defence and security will undermine their influence before the 2027 elections.
He described the coordinated attacks as part of a broader effort to provoke tensions, mislead citizens, and cast doubt on the credibility of Nigeria’s security operations. According to him, “The allegations are baseless, the agenda is political, and the truth remains clear despite the smear campaigns.”
Providing context to one of the major accusations against him, Matawalle addressed claims that he failed to tackle banditry effectively during his time as governor of Zamfara State. He said banditry in Zamfara did not begin under his administration, stressing that the crisis had already been deeply rooted for many years.
“Banditry was not a problem that was invented under my watch… it had grown over decades,” he said.
Zamfara State has been one of the hardest-hit regions in Nigeria’s decade-long struggle with armed groups, including bandits involved in kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. Long before Matawalle took office, security analysts had documented a rise in criminal activity across the North-West, driven by weak law enforcement, poverty, and the proliferation of illegal mining.
Defending his record, the minister outlined several measures he said his administration implemented to curb insecurity during his time as governor. These included:
Establishing structured security frameworks
Setting up high-level committees to coordinate security response
Strengthening intelligence networks
Prosecuting criminals and dismantling syndicates
Removing compromised traditional rulers linked to criminal activity
Implementing disarmament programmes with support from the military
He highlighted that thousands of abducted victims were rescued during his administration, and he recalled that 11 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Zamfara were deported as part of a crackdown on foreign actors contributing to insecurity.
Matawalle added that the state recorded more than a year without major security incidents due to these interventions. He said anyone trying to distort these facts is “playing politics with the pain of innocent citizens.”
The minister also shared details of the pressures he faced while involved in rescue efforts for kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State. He said he encountered harassment and intimidation in the course of those operations but refused to succumb to pressure, focusing instead on saving lives.
“I received harassment and intimidation… but I refused to bow to pressure. Humanity comes first,” he said.
Matawalle said that despite the challenges, he worked closely with security agencies to ensure that rescue operations were carried out effectively. He praised Nigeria’s military and security personnel for their professionalism and commitment to protecting citizens.
Reflecting on the political tone of the attacks, the minister said those instigating the smear campaigns are afraid of the defence reforms currently being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the reforms aim to restore order, strengthen military capacity, and close loopholes previously exploited by political actors.
He added that some politicians believe that weakening him now will give them an advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Matawalle insisted that he remains focused on supporting the president’s vision for national security.
Reaffirming his commitment to the present administration, Matawalle said: “My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains total… No amount of propaganda will influence his decisions.”
He said he would continue to prioritize Nigeria’s security interests above politics and personal criticism. According to him, his only concern is ensuring that the country moves toward peace and stability.
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