The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security strategy while calling for the immediate redeployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja during a press conference where the diplomatic body presented its Assessment Report on the Ongoing War Against Terrorism in Nigeria.
According to the diplomats, Matawalle’s redeployment has become necessary to remove what they described as “perceived internal obstacles” hindering the effective prosecution of the war against banditry and terrorism.
Unveiling the report, the Secretary-General of UN-WCD, H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, commended the growing military partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing recent joint operations as precise, disciplined, and effective.
He said the assessment showed that despite the scale of the engagements, no civilian casualties were recorded, underscoring professionalism and adherence to international rules of engagement.
Asaolu praised both the United States military and the Nigerian Ministry of Defence for progress made in degrading terrorist networks, noting that the collaboration has weakened insurgent strongholds across several regions. However, he warned that recent attacks indicate terrorism has not been fully eradicated.
He cited a recent bandit attack at Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State, where more than 30 people were reportedly killed, as evidence that Nigeria’s security architecture still requires urgent recalibration. According to him, the incident reinforces the need for what he termed a “surgical cleansing” of the defence system, particularly of officials whose continued presence raises public suspicion or operational concerns.
While cautioning against destabilising scenarios similar to the recent crisis in Venezuela, Asaolu said President Tinubu has demonstrated strong political will in addressing insecurity. He added that the remaining challenge is the removal of internal bottlenecks capable of undermining ongoing efforts.
Central to the diplomats’ recommendations was a call for the redeployment of Matawalle from the Ministry of Defence, which they described as critical to restoring public confidence and coherence in the anti-terrorism campaign.
The group cited lingering credibility issues, including allegations of links to bandits dating back to Matawalle’s tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, warning that retaining an official under such scrutiny weakens the moral authority of the security drive.
They also argued that Matawalle’s continued stay in the ministry could dilute the impact of recent military leadership reforms, including the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff.
Additional concerns raised included allegations from former associates, claims of shielding bandit leaders, facilitation of ransom payments, and public remarks perceived as dismissive of victims of violence.
The diplomats further noted that Matawalle’s limited security background and mounting calls for his removal from clerics and public commentators have attracted unwelcome international attention to Nigeria’s defence leadership.
“The war against terrorism cannot be fought with credibility gaps at the top,” Asaolu said, adding that allowing officials facing serious allegations to remain in sensitive positions risks eroding public trust and operational effectiveness.
The UN-WCD urged President Tinubu to consider Matawalle’s redeployment not as a sanction, but as a decisive governance measure aimed at strengthening the security chain, reassuring Nigerians, and accelerating efforts to defeat terrorism nationwide.
