A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has asked Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy or remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over concerns about Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
She made this known in a statement posted on her Facebook page, where she referred to findings from a recent security assessment report.
Her comments come after fresh attacks in parts of the North-Central and North-West regions during the 2026 Easter period. The attacks led to several deaths in Plateau State, Kaduna State, and Nasarawa State.
According to Daniels, the report showed a growing gap between what officials say and what people are actually experiencing in affected communities.
She said accounts from local leaders and survivors pointed to ongoing insecurity, including attacks on religious gatherings during Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations.
Daniels said the findings raised “red flags” about Matawalle remaining in office. She mentioned concerns about his experience and allegations linked to his time as governor of Zamfara State.
She called on the Federal Government to review leadership in the defence ministry.
“To the Government of Nigeria, the results of the assessment urge President Tinubu to look inward and remove elements that compromise national security,” she said.
“Specifically, immediate leadership review. The removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry.”
She also called for a transparent investigation into claims of high-level involvement in banditry and asked for better protection for vulnerable communities.
Daniels further urged the United States and other international partners to apply diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to ensure accountability.
“The greatest form of terrorism a person can experience is terror that comes from homegrown familiar enemies,” Daniels said, adding that some attacks may involve internal collaboration.
She also revealed that House Resolution 761, which supports redesignating Nigeria as a country of particular concern over religious freedom, has received support from both parties in the Florida legislature.
Daniels said her position was influenced by concerns raised by Nigerians who contacted her about the situation in the country.
