A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, citing concerns that public confidence in the war against terrorism and banditry is eroding. The Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism made the appeal at a press conference in Abuja, referencing an assessment of Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts by the United World Congress of Diplomats and the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration.
Convener Marvin Ibem warned that internal weaknesses could undermine operational success and fuel public anxiety about the Defence Ministry. He stressed that the call for redeployment is driven by prudence, not politics, noting that persistent allegations in the public domain have created a trust deficit. “In security matters, perception alone can be damaging; trust must be visible,” Ibem said.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s resolve and political will in confronting insecurity, praising his efforts against terrorism and banditry. It emphasized that the request is neither personal nor political but solely in the interest of national security. Redeploying Matawalle to another ministry, Ibem argued, would be a preventive, confidence‑building step that strengthens the war effort.
The group urged President Tinubu to act on the recommendation, insulate the Defence Ministry from suspicion, and assign sensitive security responsibilities to officials whose credibility is beyond question. Such a move is seen as crucial for restoring public confidence in the system and ensuring the success of the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, including terrorism and banditry, which have caused loss of life and displacement. The international community has expressed concern and offered support to the Nigerian government. The coalition’s appeal highlights the need for proactive government action to address public concerns and ensure that anti‑terrorism and anti‑banditry efforts remain effective and credible.
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