The Defence Headquarters has announced that investigations are actively underway into allegations of banditry sponsorship in the North-West region. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja, affirming that relevant agencies tasked with such responsibilities were diligently investigating the matter.
This development follows a series of accusations and counter-accusations between the Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle, as well as his successor, Dauda Lawal, regarding the sponsorship of banditry. However, On Tuesday, Matawalle reportedly challenged Lawal to take an oath on the Holy Qur’an, asserting that he had no involvement in sponsoring bandits.
Lawal responding, promised to present evidence against the minister and mentioned that he had also informed the National Security Adviser and H.E President Bola Tinubu about the situation. When questioned about the military's involvement in the allegations concerning the two prominent Nigerians, DHQ spokesman Buba stated that the matter was under investigation.
“When you talk about what’s going on about the sponsors, I can assure you that the relevant agencies that are saddled with that responsibility are doing a good job. And sooner than later, you will hear some announcements in that regard,” he said.
Mr. Buba stated that despite the situation, the military remained committed to winning the fight against banditry and was determined to dismantle the fighters' resolve.
He said: “Winning a war is destroying the enemy’s will to fight. When you destroy the enemy’s will to fight, the war is over, you have won the war. And that’s why we are focused on destroying the enemy’s will to fight.”
Discussing the troops' accomplishments from July to September 2024, Buba reported that a total of 1,937 terrorists had been neutralized, including 65 prominent insurgent leaders. Meanwhile, the Tinubu Youth Network, TYN, a support group within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, called for Matawalle to resign from his position as Minister of State for Defence on Thursday.
At a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, TYN Secretary General Yusuf Muhammad stated that the allegations against Matawalle were too serious to be overlooked, emphasizing that they tarnished the image of the APC.
Mr. Muhammad said: “We want a thorough investigation to clear Matawalle’s name and uphold our party’s integrity. Association with individuals responsible for heinous crimes undermines our party’s values and the President’s anti-corruption agenda.”
He further asserted that loyalty to the President should not serve as a justification for protecting Matawalle from investigation, arguing that accountability is essential.
“Loyalty should not supersede accountability. We urge Matawalle to step down and subject himself to a thorough investigation.”
“This is why we are urging our esteemed leader, the President, to launch an investigation into the numerous allegations levelled against the state minister for defence, Bello Matawalle.”
