Only God Can End Nigeria’s Insecurity, Says Defence Minister

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has said that while security agencies continue to intensify operations against criminal elements across the country, only God can ultimately bring a complete end to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.

His remarks come amid renewed security concerns in several parts of the country, including incidents of kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions in Oyo and Borno states between May 15 and 17.

In Oyo State, armed men reportedly invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. Similarly, in Borno State, gunmen attacked schools in Mussa community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area, carting away 42 pupils.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle described insecurity as a national problem that transcends political, ethnic and religious boundaries, stressing that defeating it requires cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

According to the minister, Nigerians must unite behind ongoing security efforts rather than allow the crisis to become a tool for political contestation.

“It is a painful situation, and all of us must work together to support the security agencies and ensure that insecurity is defeated in this country,” he said.

“Insecurity does not choose people based on political party, religion or region. It affects everyone, which is why it should be treated as a collective national challenge.”

Matawalle criticised some opposition figures whom he accused of exploiting security challenges to score political points against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He argued that instead of politicising the crisis, political actors should contribute to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.

“That is why we have continued to appeal to members of the opposition not to use insecurity as a means of inciting the public,” he stated.

“No Nigerian is happy with the current situation, but unfortunately some individuals seem more interested in using it to portray the government as a failure and convince people that they alone have the solution.”

The minister maintained that prayers, alongside the efforts of security personnel and citizens, remain essential in overcoming the threat posed by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.

“It is only God who can bring a final end to insecurity. We must continue to pray and play our part. This issue should not be turned into a platform for blaming others or gaining political advantage,” Matawalle said.

He also raised concerns over what he described as the deliberate circulation of misleading videos on social media to discredit the current administration.

According to him, some of the videos being shared online are old recordings from previous administrations, while others originated from neighbouring countries but are falsely presented as recent incidents in Nigeria.

“There are recycled videos circulating online. Some are from the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan, while others are from countries like Burkina Faso and Mali,” he said.

“Yet they are being portrayed as events that happened under the present administration. That is misleading and does not reflect the true situation.”

Despite the security challenges confronting the country, Matawalle expressed confidence in the ongoing operations of security agencies, saying troops and other operatives have been directed to intensify efforts against terrorist groups and criminal networks.

“Our security personnel are working tirelessly across the country. We have instructed them to deal decisively with terrorists and other criminal elements,” he said.

“However, this is not a challenge that can be eliminated overnight. Even some of the most advanced countries in the world have battled insecurity for many years and are still confronting similar threats.”

He urged Nigerians to remain patient, continue supporting security agencies and offer prayers for the country as the government pursues lasting solutions to the crisis.

“We appeal to Nigerians to keep praying for the nation and to support all efforts being made to restore peace and security across the country,” the minister added.