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Matawalle and the Truth We Knew All Along
In recent appearances on Channels Television and TVC, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, spent considerable airtime casting aspersions on his predecessor, now the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle. With accusations ranging from alleged financial support for banditry to outright complicity in Zamfara’s security woes, Lawal’s claims stirred controversy and pointed a finger at the very individual now entrusted with a critical national security portfolio.
Governor Lawal’s use of public funds for these media campaigns against Dr. Matawalle raised eyebrows. His accusations, heavy with implication but thin on proof, came at a significant expense to the Zamfara State treasury, with private jets ferrying him from Gusau to media platforms in a determined but ultimately baseless crusade. Notably, the Governor’s statements shed no light on his own administration’s achievements or his approach to resolving the security challenges facing Zamfara, a curious omission that left many questioning his priorities.
In an interview with Channels Television, Dr. Matawalle decisively addressed Lawal’s allegations. With characteristic directness, Matawalle explained that his fallout with Lawal stemmed from an incident in which Lawal allegedly attempted to solicit financial gain under false pretenses while Matawalle was Governor. Matawalle went further to refute the accusations outright, insisting on his unwavering opposition to banditry and his extensive efforts to stabilize Zamfara through non-kinetic measures. Under Matawalle’s tenure, local governments in Zamfara reportedly saw a significant reduction in bandit attacks—a legacy that, by his account, earned him the respect and trust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed him to a key role in the Ministry of Defense.
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Matawalle speaks to the President’s confidence in the Minister’s capacity to tackle insecurity effectively. The President, it seems, recognized the former Governor’s commitment, demonstrated by tangible security gains in Zamfara. Matawalle’s interview was unambiguous: he categorically denied any connection to banditry, even challenging both Lawal and General Aliyu Gusau to publicly swear, as he had, on the Holy Quran that they, too, had no ties to banditry. Neither man has taken up Matawalle’s challenge, fueling speculation about the weight of his words and the silence of his accusers.
On October 23, 2024, a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu echoed what many had suspected: The National Security Adviser (NSA) had conducted a thorough investigation into Lawal’s accusations against Dr. Matawalle, ultimately finding them groundless. NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu affirmed that, after careful examination, the accusations were categorically false—a conclusion that, for many, underscored Matawalle’s long-held claims and his evident dedication to uprooting banditry. Since taking office as Minister of State for Defense, Matawalle has overseen operations that resulted in the elimination of seven notorious bandit leaders in the North West, a rare achievement that bolsters his reputation.
Dr. Bello Matawalle’s steadfast approach to governance and security has proven him a capable leader in a deeply challenging role. The rigorous scrutiny and investigations have cleared his name, reinforcing what many suspected all along: that Matawalle, as a defender of peace, remains resolute in his fight against banditry, securing both his own legacy and his position in Nigeria’s ongoing battle for stability and security.
Ibrahim Tahir, writes from Katsina State.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed the appreciation of the people of the state to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the commencement of construction work on the Oko Olowo Bridge.
In a statement on Thursday, the Governor said the project underscores the love of the President for the people of the state and his commitment to public welfare.
“Our advocacy on this bridge began since 2019. We again renewed this advocacy as the President settled down in the office in 2023. I recall visiting the Hon. Minister HE David Umahi in 2024 in company of His Excellency Governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo, Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya and Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko to further press for urgent construction of the bridge as well as Ilorin-Lokoja Road via Omu Aran,” the Governor said in the statement.
“In a visit to the state in October 2025, the Hon. Minister assured us that work will soon begin on the bridge. So what is happening today is a dream come true and promise kept by the President and the Hon. Minister. We are grateful and we see this as an intentional effort to protect lives and property. It is a relief to tens of thousands of our people who live in that axis or travel along that road every other day. We are also confident that the Hon. Minister will graciously expedite action on our other requests, including the Ilorin-Lokoja via Omu Aran, for the good of our people.
“This Oko Olowo project is one of the many other dividends of democracy that our people have enjoyed, and it is another reason that the people of our state will vote massively for the President and all APC candidates in the coming election.
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have engaged suspected local militia elements in a fierce firefight during a clearance operation at Kogul Village in Muko District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Our correspondent reports that, the operation, conducted between Sept. 8 and 9, followed reports of arson, destruction of farmlands and the expulsion of residents from the community.
During the operation, the troops established contact with the suspected militias and engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing the criminals to withdraw into the forest.
A soldier, Pte. Husseini Ibrahim, sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg during the encounter and was evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for medical attention.
Troops subsequently exploited the general area in an effort to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals and recover their weapons.
However, no further contact was established before the troops returned to base, while operations to track the fleeing suspects remain ongoing.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with a group of kidnappers at Angwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, who were deployed in the area, engaged the suspected kidnappers at about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, following a report of their activities in the area.
During the encounter, the troops brought their superior firepower to bear, neutralising one of the kidnappers, while others fled into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Zagazola Makama reports that troops are currently conducting clearance operations in the area to track down and neutralise other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE to disrupt criminal activities and improve security across Plateau State.
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