In response to accusations from notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has firmly denied any connections with terrorist activities. Turji, a key figure in the region’s ongoing violence, claimed in a viral video that Matawalle, during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, had empowered terrorists through an amnesty scheme.
Turji alleged that the financial incentives provided to bandits who surrendered under Matawalle’s administration were misused, leading to an increase in violence rather than a decrease. According to Turji, many bandits exploited these incentives to enhance their operations instead of disarming as intended.
Matawalle, through a statement issued by his media consultants on Sunday, dismissed these claims as unfounded and malicious. The rejoinder, signed by Deyemi Saka, asserted that all arms recovered from terrorists were handed over to the appropriate security agencies, countering Turji’s accusations.
Moreover, Matawalle accused his successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, of having ties with terrorist groups. He pointed to videos circulating online showing bandit camps celebrating Lawal’s electoral victory and pledging their loyalty to him, suggesting that Lawal had made promises to these groups in exchange for their support.
“Our attention has been drawn to a video shared on the X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook page of your media organisation in which baseless, malicious, unfounded, mischievous and deliberately concocted lies were told against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle,” the statement read.
Matawalle’s team emphasized his efforts to combat banditry during his governorship from 2019 to 2023, highlighting his refusal to negotiate with bandits after the amnesty window closed. They also noted that all seized arms were documented and handed over to government security agencies, challenging the credibility of Turji’s claims.
Accusing Governor Lawal of constitutional breaches, Matawalle’s statement suggested that Lawal’s alleged affiliations with criminals undermine national security. The statement called on prominent Nigerians to avoid using insecurity issues for political gains.
Despite these allegations, Matawalle affirmed his commitment to national security and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He vowed to continue his efforts to restore peace and stability across the country, undeterred by attempts to discredit his reputation.
“We urge prominent and eminent Nigerians to desist from resorting to using matters of insecurity to settle political rifts and gain notorious popularity,” the statement concluded.
