Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a stern critique regarding the current public discourse surrounding Nigeria’s security landscape. In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the Minister alleged that opposition politicians are intentionally weaponizing insecurity to gain political leverage ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Matawalle, these actors have transformed critical national security challenges into partisan campaign tools, aiming to discredit the government rather than foster collaborative solutions.
The Minister emphasized that the narrative surrounding insecurity has become significantly exaggerated, obscuring the tangible progress being made by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He argued that public perception is being skewed by an overwhelming focus on negative reporting, which frequently sidelines the government’s strategic efforts to restore order. Matawalle insisted that security should be treated as a unifying national priority rather than a divisive political battlefield, urging all stakeholders to act for the common good.
Matawalle’s remarks highlighted the pervasive nature of misinformation, which he claims is a primary driver of public anxiety. He pointed out that digital platforms are frequently flooded with recycled images and videos from ancient security incidents, which are deceptively presented as contemporary events. By circulating this outdated and misleading content, bad actors are successfully fostering a climate of fear, creating an impression of total instability that does not accurately reflect the current ground reality in many volatile regions.
Furthermore, the Minister cautioned against the unrealistic expectation of an overnight resolution to deep-seated security problems. He maintained that addressing the nation’s complex security architecture is a long-term, multi-dimensional process that requires patience and persistent strategic action. He noted that the Tinubu administration is actively prioritizing the safety of citizens through the aggressive deployment of security personnel to highly affected areas, aimed at reclaiming territory and restoring peace.
In his plea for unity, Matawalle urged the opposition to reconsider their stance, suggesting that exploiting national tragedy for electoral gain is detrimental to the country’s stability. He noted that the effort to secure Nigeria is a shared responsibility that demands the participation and support of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. The Minister asserted that until there is a collective commitment to confronting these threats, the nation will continue to struggle against forces that thrive on division and panic.
Ultimately, the Minister’s statements serve as a call for a more nuanced and responsible approach to security reporting and political rhetoric. By shifting the focus away from misinformation and partisan finger-pointing, Matawalle expressed hope that the government could more effectively address the underlying causes of volatility. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to continue its security operations, signaling that despite political distractions, the state remains steadfast in its objective to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.