By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Northern Elders Progressive Group has dismissed renewed calls for the resignation of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, describing the criticisms as mischievous, exaggerated and politically driven.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Coordinator of the group, Yusuf Abubakar, said recent media attacks targeting the minister were part of broader political manoeuvrings, especially as federal security operations continued to record gains nationwide.

He said attempts by some commentators to link insecurity in parts of the North-West to alleged shortcomings within the Ministry of Defence ignored the complex nature of the nation’s security challenges and ongoing progress under the current administration.

Abubakar said Matawalle has been instrumental in reforms aimed at revamping defence operations, modernising military capabilities and strengthening collaboration among security agencies.

According to him, enhanced joint operations among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and intelligence services have improved counterterrorism and anti-banditry efforts nationwide.

He cited the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi, coordinated under the minister’s watch, as part of recent successes in operational synergy.

He added that similar breakthroughs had been recorded in the North-East with increased surrender of insurgents, and in the North-Central where kidnapping syndicates along major highways in Niger, Kogi and Kwara had been disrupted.

In the South-South, he said, intensified maritime patrols were curbing oil theft and protecting critical national assets, while operations in the South-East were targeting violent criminal networks.

Abubakar said that the military offensives in the North-West had intensified, with coordinated airstrikes, dismantling of bandit camps and the blocking of supply routes.

He said the minister had also prioritised troops’ welfare through improved allowances, enhanced logistics and the deployment of new surveillance technologies including tactical drones and rapid-response vehicles.

“Many abandoned communities had been restored, farmers are gradually returning to their lands, and intelligence-sharing between communities and security agencies has improved significantly,” he stressed.

Abubakar attributed the rising attacks on the minister to political power tussles within the North-West, urging critics to focus on achievements rather than politicising security matters.

Abubakar commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Matawalle and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing both men as experienced and capable.

“The president who appointed them understands their capacity. Hon. Bello Matawalle remains a central figure in the Federal Government’s security architecture.

*His efforts are visible across all regions,” he said.

The group urged politicians and commentators to avoid inflaming public discourse with unfounded criticisms, warning that such narratives could undermine ongoing operations nationwide.

Abubakar said what Nigeria currently needed was collaboration, not politicisation, as the country continued to the confront the diverse security threats.(NAN)