Nigerians residing in the United States under the banner of the Nigerian American Coalition for Strategic ility have criticised US lawmaker Kimberly Daniels over her call for the removal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing her remarks as ill informed and a challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The group said the intervention reflects what it called a recurring pattern of foreign commentary influenced by limited understanding of Nigeria’s complex security situation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the coalition convener, Maxwell Akarachi, warned that attempts to single out officials within Nigeria’s defence structure risk distorting facts and weakening confidence in ongoing security operations.
He expressed concern that external actors were making sweeping conclusions without engaging key stakeholders or acknowledging the progress being made in addressing security challenges across the country.
According to him, Nigeria’s security difficulties, particularly in the North Central and North West regions, are the result of long standing structural issues, cross border criminal activity and evolving asymmetric threats rather than the actions of any single individual.
The group argued that portraying Matawalle as ineffective based on what it described as unverified claims undermines national security efforts and could embolden misinformation.
It added that there are deliberate attempts to weaken confidence in Nigeria’s defence leadership by spreading half truths and misrepresentations during a sensitive security period.
The coalition also stated that since his appointment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Matawalle has contributed to efforts aimed at strengthening military coordination, improving intelligence sharing and supporting ilisation operations in affected regions.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, the group said there have been gradual improvements in restoring order and reclaiming communities previously affected by armed groups.
Akarachi further questioned the timing of the US lawmaker’s comments, suggesting they could be exploited by interests seeking to internationalise Nigeria’s internal security issues for political or strategic reasons.
The coalition urged international partners to approach Nigeria’s security situation with caution and respect, stressing that constructive engagement is more effective than public condemnation.
US lawmaker Kimberly Daniels had earlier called for Matawalle’s removal, citing concerns from recent security reports and alleged links during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State, as well as ongoing insecurity in parts of the country.
Her comments followed renewed s in several North Central and North West states during the 2026 Easter period, which resulted in multiple casualties and heightened concerns over security effectiveness.
The debate continues to generate reactions both locally and internationally as Nigeria grapples with ongoing security challenges.
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