Nigerians in the United States have criticised a US lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, describing her call for the removal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as “ill-informed” and harmful to the country’s sovereignty.
Operating under the banner of the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability, the group said the remarks reflect a pattern of foreign commentary shaped by limited understanding of Nigeria’s complex security environment.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the coalition’s convener, Maxwell Akarachi, warned that attempts to single out key officials within Nigeria’s defence structure could distort facts and embolden destabilising forces.
“It is deeply concerning that a foreign legislator would adopt such a narrow and accusatory stance without engaging the full spectrum of stakeholders or appreciating the progress being made under extremely difficult circumstances,” he said.
The group argued that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, are rooted in longstanding structural weaknesses, cross-border criminal networks, and evolving asymmetric threats, rather than the actions of any single individual.
Akarachi maintained that portraying Matawalle as a liability based on what he described as “unproven and recycled allegations” risks undermining ongoing efforts to address insecurity and could legitimise misinformation.
“Those pushing these narratives are attempting to weaken confidence in Nigeria’s defence leadership by amplifying half-truths and presenting them as facts,” the statement added.
The coalition further noted that since his appointment under President Bola Tinubu, Matawalle has contributed to efforts aimed at strengthening military operations, improving intelligence sharing, and restoring stability in affected regions.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, the group pointed to what it described as incremental gains in disrupting armed groups and reopening communities previously affected by banditry.
It also questioned the timing of Daniels’ remarks, suggesting they could be exploited by actors seeking to internationalise Nigeria’s internal security discourse for strategic or political purposes.
The coalition urged international partners to engage Nigeria with caution and respect, emphasising that constructive collaboration is essential for addressing shared security concerns.
Daniels had earlier called on President Tinubu to redeploy or remove Matawalle, citing concerns from a recent security assessment. Her comments followed renewed attacks in parts of the country during the 2026 Easter period, which affected communities in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.
She also referenced testimonies from local leaders and survivors, pointing to a perceived gap between official assurances and the realities on the ground, while raising concerns about Matawalle’s continued stay in office.
