Matawalle Reveals Only Solution To Nigeria’s Insecurity.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said only God can ultimately bring an end to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.

Matawalle said insecurity had become a national problem that required the collective efforts of security agencies, citizens and community leaders.

The former Governor of Zamfara State stated this during an interview with BBC Hausa, while reacting to the renewed killings and abductions in parts of the country.

The minister urged Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and support security operatives working to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Matawalle said insecurity does not affect only one political party, religion or section of the country.

He said all Nigerians must rise above politics and work together to support efforts aimed at restoring peace.

“It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country. Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone,” he said.

The minister said citizens must provide useful information to security agencies and avoid actions that could worsen tension in the country.

Matawalle also accused some opposition figures of exploiting the security situation for political advantage.

He said it was wrong for politicians to use insecurity to incite citizens against the government instead of supporting efforts to address the problem.

“That is why we have urged the opposition to stop using insecurity to incite people. It is a challenge that can happen to anyone, and no Nigerian is happy about it. Unfortunately, some members of the opposition appear pleased with the situation. They do not care about the people. What matters to them is portraying the government as a failure for their own political interests and deceiving people into believing they alone can end insecurity,” he said.

He added that insecurity should not be used as a weapon for political attacks or to score cheap points.

“It is only God that can bring to an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts. It should not be used as a tool to condemn others or score political points,” Matawalle added.

Nigeria has recently witnessed renewed security concerns following attacks and abductions in parts of the country, including Oyo and Borno states.

Gunmen reportedly attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted 39 students and seven teachers.

In Borno State, armed groups also attacked schools in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, where 42 pupils were abducted.

The incidents have heightened public concern over the safety of schools and communities, especially in areas vulnerable to attacks.

Matawalle also raised concern over what he described as the circulation of fake and old videos on social media to create the impression that insecurity had worsened under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, some of the videos being shared online were either recorded under previous administrations or taken from other countries.

“There are fake and recycled videos being circulated, some dating back to the Jonathan administration and others from countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, yet they are being presented as incidents that occurred under this administration. That is not true,” he said.

The minister urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing security-related content online.

Matawalle maintained that security agencies were working tirelessly to confront terrorists and other criminal groups across the country.

He said the Federal Government had directed security operatives to deal decisively with terrorists, but noted that insecurity could not disappear overnight.

“Our security operatives are working tirelessly across the country. We have directed them to decisively deal with terrorists, but this is not a challenge that can disappear overnight. Even some of the world’s powerful nations have battled insecurity for years and are still confronting it,” he said.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, prayerful and supportive of ongoing security operations.

“We ask Nigerians to continue praying for us and supporting efforts to bring this challenge to an end,” he added.

Matawalle said the fight against insecurity requires unity and sincerity from all Nigerians.

He urged political actors, religious leaders, traditional rulers and citizens to put the interest of the country above partisan differences.

The minister said the government would continue to strengthen security operations, while also relying on the support and cooperation of citizens to expose criminal elements and restore peace across the country.