The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), has openly backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security strategy, demanding immediate redeployment of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, from the ministry.
The Diplomats, at a press conference held on Monday in Abuja, said Matawalle’s move from Defence Ministry became necessary to eliminate what they termed “perceived internal obstacles” to success against banditry and terrorism in the country.
The diplomats disclosed their position while presenting an Assessment Report on the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria.
Unveiling the report, UN-WCD Secretary-General H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, praised the growing military partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing the joint operations as precise, disciplined, and effective.
According to Asaolu, the assessment revealed that despite the scale of recent joint military engagements, no civilian casualties were recorded, a development he said underscored professionalism and adherence to international rules of engagement.
“We commend the United States military and the Nigerian Ministry of Defence for the progress recorded so far in degrading terrorist networks,” he said, adding that the collaboration has weakened insurgent strongholds across several regions.
However, Asaolu warned that persistent attacks showed that terrorism has not been fully eradicated.
He cited the recent bandit attack at Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State, where over 30 traders were reportedly killed, as evidence that Nigeria’s security architecture still required urgent recalibration.
The UN-WCD Secretary-General said the incident reinforced the need for a “surgical cleansing” of the defence system, particularly of officials whose continued presence raises public suspicion or operational concerns.
While cautioning against destabilising scenarios similar to the recent Venezuela crisis—where a sitting president was arrested during a full-scale military operation sanctioned by the United States, Asaolu stressed that President Tinubu has displayed uncommon political will in tackling insecurity.
“Our findings show clearly that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gone beyond expectations in confronting terrorism. What remains is to remove internal bottlenecks that could undermine his efforts,” he said.
At the centre of the diplomats’ recommendations was a direct call for the redeployment of Matawalle from the Ministry of Defence, which they described as critical to restoring confidence and coherence in the anti-terror war.
They cited persistent credibility questions, including allegations of links with bandits dating back to Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State, warning that keeping an official under such scrutiny weakens the moral authority of the security campaign.
The group also noted that Matawalle’s continued stay in the defence ministry could dilute the seriousness signaled by recent military leadership reforms, including the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.
Additional red flags raised by the diplomats included allegations from former associates, claims of shielding bandit leaders, facilitation of ransom payments, and public remarks perceived as dismissive of victims—issues they said have fuelled anger and distrust.
UN-WCD further argued that Matawalle’s limited security background, coupled with mounting calls for his removal from clerics and respected commentators, has drawn unwelcome international attention to Nigeria’s defence leadership.
“The war against terrorism cannot be fought with credibility gaps at the top,” Asaolu said. “Allowing officials facing serious allegations to remain in sensitive positions risks sabotaging public trust and operational effectiveness.”
The diplomatic body concluded by urging President Tinubu to treat Matawalle’s redeployment not as a sanction, but as a decisive governance move necessary to tighten the security chain, reassure Nigerians, and fast-track victory against terrorism.
“Public sentiment against banditry is high, and the resurfacing of dismissive comments made by Mr. Mutawalle reflects a lack of empathy towards thousands of victims. His remarks alienate those affected and can severely damage the government’s credibility in addressing security challenges, one of the reasons why the Christian genocide claim was more pronounced.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s security apparatus is crucial. Allowing individuals under serious scrutiny to remain in leadership roles can compromise institutional efficacy and credibility. A change in leadership is vital to restore faith and effectiveness within the defence ministry.
“In conclusion, I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider these points seriously. The redeployment of Bello Mutawalle from the Ministry of Defense is not merely a matter of personnel; it is a critical step toward reaffirming our commitment to accountability, integrity, and the effective governance essential for our national security,” they stated.
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