Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has said that while security agencies continue their efforts to combat insecurity across the country, only God can ultimately bring a lasting end to the challenge.
Matawalle made the statement during an interview with BBC Hausa amid renewed concerns over rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities in different parts of Nigeria.
Recent incidents have heightened public anxiety, including the abduction of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the kidnapping of dozens of pupils from schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Speaking on the situation, the minister described insecurity as a national challenge that requires cooperation between security agencies and citizens, stressing that no one is immune to its effects.
“It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country. Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone,” he said.
Matawalle also urged political actors to avoid using security challenges as a tool for political attacks, warning that such actions could undermine efforts to address the problem.
According to him, some opposition figures have allegedly sought to exploit insecurity for political advantage by portraying the government as incapable of tackling the crisis.
“That is why we have urged the opposition to stop using insecurity to incite people. It is a challenge that can happen to anyone, and no Nigerian is happy about it. Unfortunately, some members of the opposition appear pleased with the situation. They do not care about the people. What matters to them is portraying the government as a failure for their own political interests,” he stated.
The minister maintained that overcoming insecurity would require collective effort, prayers, and sustained support for security agencies.
“It is only God that can bring an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts. It should not be used as a tool to condemn others or score political points,” he added.
Matawalle further alleged that some individuals have been circulating old and misleading videos on social media in an attempt to create the impression that the security situation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is worse than it actually is.
He claimed that some of the videos being shared online originated from previous administrations or even from other African countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali.
“There are fake and recycled videos being circulated, some dating back to the Jonathan administration and others from countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, yet they are being presented as incidents that occurred under this administration. That is not true,” he said.
Despite ongoing security concerns, the minister expressed confidence in the efforts of the nation's security forces, noting that personnel are working around the clock to confront terrorist groups and other criminal elements threatening peace across the country.
“Our security operatives are working tirelessly across the country. We have directed them to deal decisively with terrorists, but this is not a challenge that can disappear overnight. Even some of the world’s powerful nations have battled insecurity for years and are still confronting it,” Matawalle said.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting the government’s security efforts and to pray for peace and stability across the country.
“We ask Nigerians to continue praying for us and supporting efforts to bring this challenge to an end,” he added.