A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy or remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Daniels made the call in a statement posted on her Facebook page, referencing findings from a recent security assessment report.
The lawmaker’s intervention follows renewed attacks in parts of the North-Central and North-West regions during the 2026 Easter period, which resulted in multiple casualties in Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa states.
According to her, the report highlighted a growing gap between official assurances and the realities faced by communities affected by violence.
She noted that testimonies from local leaders and survivors pointed to persistent insecurity, including attacks on religious gatherings during Palm Sunday and Easter celebrations.
Daniels said the assessment raised “red flags” regarding Matawalle’s continued stay in office, including concerns over his experience and allegations linked to his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.
She urged the Federal Government to undertake a leadership review within 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.”
The US lawmaker also called for a transparent investigation into allegations of high-level complicity in banditry, alongside improved protection for vulnerable communities.
She 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, alleging that some attacks may involve internal collaboration.
Daniels disclosed that House Resolution 761, which supports redesignating Nigeria as a country of particular concern over religious freedom, has received bipartisan support in the Florida legislature.
She said her position was influenced by concerns raised by Nigerians who reached out to her regarding the situation in the country.