By Musa Maye
A northern-based organisation, the Northern Progressive and Advancement Forum, has demanded the arrest of Nigerians alleged to be agitating for foreign invasion in the country’s security affairs.
The call was issued on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the group’s spokesperson, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, following an emergency meeting convened to review what it described as rising “treasonable statements” capable of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.
Yusuf cautioned that freedom of expression and political disagreements must not be used as a shield for reckless rhetoric, especially statements he said were targeted at destabilising the nation. He accused some northern politicians—particularly from Zamfara State—of benefitting from previous political appointments but now resorting to dangerous public commentary due to personal grievances.
According to him, recent agitations have deliberately targeted the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, with critics allegedly seeking to discredit his record and contributions to ongoing security operations.
“A highly placed politician from Zamfara State, who should be offering solutions to our lingering security challenges, is instead fuelling tension and making reckless statements,” he said.
Yusuf recalled that during Matawalle’s tenure as governor, he removed a traditional ruler who had reportedly conferred a chieftaincy title on notorious bandit leader Ado Alero, arguing that such actions demonstrated the minister’s commitment to security reforms.
He also accused former APGA National Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Shinkafi, of publicly criticising the minister and making allegations the group described as unsubstantiated.
Condemning the utterances as harmful to national unity, the forum stressed that Matawalle holds his office legitimately with presidential approval and is working in the interest of Nigerians.
“We call on the DSS and the NIS to arrest Senator Kabiru Marafa and Alhaji Abdullahi Shinkafi and to seize their international passports for actions capable of undermining national peace and security,” Yusuf said.
The group commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Matawalle and praised what it described as his contributions to counter-insurgency operations, noting the rescue of schoolgirls in Kebbi alongside earlier successes in Chibok, Dapchi, and Yauri.
Yusuf further applauded the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for what he termed significant progress in combating insurgency, banditry, and related crimes. He urged northerners to unite, adopt constructive approaches to their security challenges, and take advantage of available opportunities for socioeconomic development and peaceful coexistence.
Middle-Belt Times 