Matawalle: Ending Insecurity in Nigeria Requires Divine Help, Collective Action

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that overcoming the country’s persistent insecurity challenges will require both divine intervention and the collective efforts of all Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle reacted to the recent wave of killings, kidnappings and attacks across different parts of the country, stressing that insecurity has become a national concern that affects every citizen regardless of political affiliation, religion or region.

The former Zamfara State governor urged Nigerians to support security agencies and continue praying for peace, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes can only be effectively tackled through cooperation between government, security operatives, community leaders and citizens.

According to him, insecurity is a shared challenge that should unite Nigerians rather than divide them along political lines.

“It is painful, and everyone must work together to ensure that security agencies and citizens collaborate to end insecurity. This problem does not discriminate based on politics or religion; it can affect anyone,” Matawalle said.

He also encouraged members of the public to provide credible intelligence to security agencies and refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions.

The minister accused some opposition politicians of exploiting the country’s security challenges for political gain. He argued that rather than supporting efforts to address the problem, certain political actors use insecurity as a tool to undermine the government.

Matawalle maintained that no Nigerian is pleased with the current security situation and warned against turning national security issues into partisan battles.

“Some politicians are using insecurity to stir public anger against the government. Instead of helping to solve the problem, they focus on portraying the administration as a failure for political advantage,” he said.

Reiterating his position, the minister said that while government efforts remain crucial, lasting peace ultimately depends on God’s intervention, supported by the prayers and commitment of citizens.

“It is only God, alongside our collective prayers and efforts, that can bring this insecurity to an end. It should never be used to score political points,” he added.

His remarks come amid renewed security concerns across the country. Recent reports indicate that gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting dozens of students and teachers. Similar incidents were reported in Borno State, where armed groups allegedly targeted schools in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, kidnapping several pupils.

The attacks have renewed concerns about the safety of schools and communities, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Matawalle also expressed concern over what he described as the circulation of misleading security-related videos on social media. According to him, some of the footage being shared online predates the current administration or originates from other countries but is falsely presented as recent incidents in Nigeria.

He cited examples of videos allegedly taken during previous administrations or from countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali being circulated as evidence of worsening insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The minister urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing security-related content online, warning that misinformation could create unnecessary panic and distort public perception.

Despite ongoing challenges, Matawalle insisted that security agencies are actively confronting terrorists and criminal groups nationwide. He noted that the Federal Government has instructed security forces to intensify operations against violent actors, while acknowledging that restoring security is a gradual process.

He pointed out that even some of the world’s most developed nations continue to battle security threats despite years of investment and intervention.

The minister appealed for patience, prayers and public support, emphasizing that the fight against insecurity requires unity, sincerity and cooperation from political leaders, religious figures, traditional rulers and ordinary citizens.

He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to strengthening security operations and working with citizens to identify criminal elements and restore lasting peace across the country.