Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that ending the country’s persistent security challenges will require God’s divine intervention, collective prayers, and sustained cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
Key Highlights:
- Ending insecurity needs God’s intervention and prayers.
- Citizens and security agencies must cooperate.
- Don’t politicize security issues.
- Some viral insecurity videos are old or from other countries.
- Nigerians should be patient with ongoing security efforts.
Matawalle made the remarks amid ongoing concerns over attacks and kidnappings in several parts of the country, including recent incidents reported in Oyo and Borno States.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the minister stressed that insecurity remains a national challenge that affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.
He called on citizens to support security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
“It is painful, and we must all come together to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work hand in hand to end insecurity. This problem does not discriminate; it can affect anyone,” he said.
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The minister also cautioned against politicising security issues, accusing some political actors of exploiting the country’s security situation to criticize the Federal Government.
According to Matawalle, insecurity should not be used as a political weapon or a means of scoring partisan points, noting that collective action is needed to confront the challenge.
“It is only God that can bring an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts.
“We should focus on solutions rather than using the issue to attack one another,” he stated.
Matawalle further alleged that some individuals were circulating misleading videos on social media to portray the security situation as worse than it is.
He claimed that some of the footages being shared were recorded during previous administrations, while other clips originated from neighbouring countries, such as Burkina Faso and Mali.
The minister maintained that security forces are actively engaged in operations across the country and have been directed to intensify efforts against terrorist groups and other criminal elements.
“Our security operatives are working tirelessly. We have instructed them to deal decisively with terrorists, but these security challenges cannot be eliminated overnight,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting government initiatives aimed at addressing insecurity and restoring lasting peace throughout the country.
