US Lawmaker Kimberly Daniels Demands Removal of Nigeria’s Defence Minister Bello Matawalle Over Rising Insecurity

A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has called for the removal or redeployment of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, amid growing concerns over insecurity and a wave of deadly attacks across parts of the country.

Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, issued the call in a statement on Tuesday, highlighting what she described as a worsening security situation in Nigeria.

She condemned reported killings in Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and other states, particularly attacks occurring during religious holidays, describing them as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

According to her, many Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with official responses to insecurity, insisting that political statements are no longer enough and demanding urgent, concrete action to stop the violence affecting vulnerable communities.

The US lawmaker also referenced allegations tied to Matawalle’s tenure as governor of Zamfara State, including claims of possible links between political actors and armed groups, urging that such allegations be thoroughly investigated.

In her recommendations, Daniels called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to either remove or redeploy the minister, arguing that such a move would help restore public trust in Nigeria’s defence leadership.

She further urged reforms aimed at strengthening institutional transparency, including full investigations into alleged complicity in banditry and improved protection for communities in the North-Central and North-West regions.

Daniels also appealed to the United States, United Kingdom and other international partners to increase diplomatic pressure on Nigeria, insisting that individuals accused of supporting or enabling terrorism must be held accountable.

She said her position was informed by concerns raised by Nigerians who reached out to her, as well as her humanitarian and religious engagements connected to the country.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the statement.