ABUJA — Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has stated that while the government is working to combat national security threats, a definitive end to Nigeria’s insecurity ultimately rests in the hands of God.

In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle emphasized that security is a collective challenge that transcends political and religious boundaries. His comments come as the administration faces continued scrutiny over persistent attacks and high-profile abductions across the country, most recently in Oyo and Borno states.

Political Exploitation of Insecurity

Matawalle strongly criticized opposition figures for allegedly weaponizing the security situation to undermine the current administration. He accused critics of prioritizing political gains over national stability, arguing that they aim to paint the government as a failure rather than contributing to collaborative solutions.

"Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone," the Minister stated. He urged the opposition to cease attempts to incite the public, noting that such rhetoric ignores the complexities of the security crisis.

Addressing Disinformation

The Minister also raised concerns regarding the spread of misinformation on social media, claiming that old or staged footage is being used to manufacture a narrative of state failure. He alleged that videos some originating from other conflict affected nations like Mali and Burkina Faso are being presented as recent occurrences in Nigeria to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

Defending the performance of the armed forces, Matawalle maintained that security personnel are working "tirelessly" to combat terrorism and organized crime. However, he cautioned that these challenges are global in nature and cannot be resolved overnight.

Matawalle’s solution remains twofold: sustained operational pressure by the military and a call for divine intervention combined with citizen cooperation. "It is only God that can bring an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts," he concluded.