A report by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) has recommended the removal or redeployment of Bello Matawalle as Nigeria’s minister of state for defence.
This was disclosed by Florida state representative and chairwoman of the UN-WCD, Kimberly Daniels, in a statement on April 14, 2026.
The report examined the implications of Nigeria’s security leadership following attacks during the 2026 Easter period that left dozens of Christians dead in Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa states.
It said the violence targeted religious congregations during Palm Sunday and Easter services and expressed concern over retaining Matawalle in office.
These include allegations of complicity with bandits during his tenure as governor of Zamfara state, claims of harbouring bandit leaders, and concerns over lack of relevant security experience.
“The results of the assessment urge President Tinubu to ‘look inward’ and remove elements that compromise national security,” she said.
She said the report recommended the removal or redeployment of Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry.
Daniels also called for a transparent investigation into allegations of high-level complicity with banditry and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
She urged the United States government and international partners to increase diplomatic pressure to ensure accountability for those accused of aiding terrorism.
She added: “Based on the referenced report, the attacks against believers in Northern Nigeria are allegedly protected by leadership from the inside.
“The greatest form of terrorism a person can experience is terror that comes from ‘homegrown familiar enemies.’
“When the people you trust to protect you work undercover with others who want to harm you, it must be devastating!”
“My brothers and sisters in Nigeria are martyred because they gather to worship Jesus, while most Americans do not understand how precious our religious liberty is and the protections that come with it. Publishing this press release is the least thing I can do.”