The Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism has called on President Bola Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, arguing that such a move would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing war against terrorism.
The group said the proposed redeployment should not be interpreted as a punitive action, stressing that it would instead serve as a preventive and confidence-building step capable of reinforcing national security efforts.
According to the Coalition, its position aligns with recommendations contained in the Assessment Report on the Ongoing War Against Terrorism in Nigeria, recently presented by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA).
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Convener of the Coalition, Marvin Ibem Esq, said the continued presence of the Minister of State for Defence in the Defence Ministry had increasingly generated public concern.
He noted that President Tinubu deserved the backing of Nigerians of goodwill, emphasising that national security transcends political divisions.
According to him, terrorism remains a collective threat to the country.
He said: “Mr President, we respectfully call on you to: Act on the recommendation for redeployment in the overriding interest of national security; “Insulate the Defence Ministry from all forms of suspicion, real or perceived; “Entrust sensitive security responsibilities only to officials whose credibility is beyond question.
“Such a decision will reassure Nigerians, strengthen public confidence, and protect the gains already recorded in the war against terrorism.Nigeria is on the right path. But this war cannot afford complacency, internal doubts, or divided trust.
“We reaffirm our full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his leadership in the fight against terrorism. With unity, clarity of purpose, and the right decisions at the right time, Nigeria will defeat terrorism.”
Barrister Ibem further explained that many Nigerians remain uneasy, not due to a lack of faith in the military, but because of concerns about internal vulnerabilities.
He said Nigerians continue to express fear, “not because they doubt the resolve of the Armed Forces, but because they are worried that internal weaknesses could compromise operational success.
“In counter-terrorism operations, confidence, secrecy, and absolute loyalty to strategy are non-negotiable. Where there is widespread suspicion—rightly or wrongly—there is fear that strategic plans may be exposed, deliberately or inadvertently, to hostile actors.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where operational details are perceived to be vulnerable to leaks, especially at a time when terrorists and bandits are being decisively pressured.
“We must emphasize this point: The Nigerian people are afraid, not of the military, but of what could go wrong if caution is ignored.”
While commending President Tinubu’s handling of the security situation, the Coalition said the President had shown determination and political courage in confronting terrorism and banditry.
It added that recent restructuring within the security sector, improvements in military leadership, and enhanced international cooperation demonstrated the administration’s understanding of the gravity of the security challenge.
The Coalition also clarified its stance on Matawalle, stating: “We therefore state clearly that we have nothing personal against the Minister of State for Defence.
“We are not engaging in partisan politics. The security of Nigeria must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.”
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