US Lawmaker Calls for Matawalle's Redeployment Amid Security Concerns

Kimberli Daniel, a Florida state representative and chairwoman of the United States Congress, has called on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to redeploy Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, citing significant security concerns. Daniel's statement, posted on her Facebook page, highlights the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly during the 2026 Easter period, which saw numerous violent attacks resulting in fatalities in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.

She expressed worries about Matawalle's continued role, referencing alleged connections to bandit groups during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State. Daniel emphasized the need for a leadership review within Nigeria's defence ministry to restore public confidence and called for a transparent investigation into high-level complicity in banditry.

She urged the Nigerian government to enhance protection for vulnerable communities and to seek increased diplomatic pressure from international partners to ensure accountability for individuals accused of aiding terrorism.