By Musa Maya
The Northern Elders Progressive Group has dismissed renewed calls for the resignation of the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, describing the criticisms as “mischievous, exaggerated, and politically driven.”
Addressing journalists on Monday, the Coordinator of the group, Yusuf Abubakar, said recent media attacks targeting the minister were part of broader political manoeuvring within the country’s public space, particularly as federal security operations continue to record gains nationwide.
Abubakar noted that some commentators were attempting to link persistent insecurity in parts of the North-West to alleged shortcomings within the Ministry of Defence. He argued that such claims ignore the complex nature of Nigeria’s security environment and the significant progress recorded under the current administration.
He stated that since assuming office, Matawalle has been instrumental to a series of reforms aimed at revamping defence operations, modernising military capabilities, and strengthening collaboration among security agencies.
According to him, the minister’s efforts in enhancing joint operations among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence services have been central to improving counterterrorism and anti-banditry missions across the country.
He cited the successful rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State—coordinated under the minister’s supervision—as one of several recent proofs of improved operational synergy. Similar breakthroughs, he added, had been recorded in the North-East, where more insurgents have surrendered, and in the North-Central, where kidnapping syndicates operating along major highways in Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states have been disrupted.
In the South-South, Abubakar noted that intensified maritime patrols have curbed oil theft and secured vital national assets, while federal operations in the South-East continue to target violent criminal networks.
Focusing on the North-West, a region previously ravaged by banditry, Abubakar stated that federal military offensives had deepened under Matawalle’s watch. He pointed to coordinated airstrikes, the dismantling of bandit camps, and the cutting off of their supply routes as evidence of renewed federal commitment.
He added that the minister had also prioritised troop welfare through improved allowances, enhanced logistics, and the deployment of new surveillance technologies, including tactical drones and rapid-response vehicles.
“Many abandoned communities have been restored, farmers are gradually returning to their lands, and intelligence-sharing between local communities and security agencies has improved significantly,” he said.
Abubakar attributed rising attacks on the minister to political power tussles within the North-West, insisting that critics should focus on achievements recorded rather than politicising national security.
He commended President
Middle-Belt Times 