Abuja — The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has demanded an urgent and independent investigation by the National Assembly into serious allegations linking Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, to armed bandit groups operating in the North-West.
In a statement released on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition described the allegations as “grave, disturbing, and potentially dangerous to national security,” warning that failure to investigate could undermine Nigeria’s ongoing fight against banditry.
The call follows the circulation of a viral video in which Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, also known as Kamara and described as a former Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle during his tenure as Zamfara State governor between 2019 and 2023, made claims alleging high-level collaboration with criminal elements. According to the CNG, the video contains assertions of financial transfers to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, procurement of vehicles for armed groups, and provision of logistical support, including housing and concealment of arrested suspects.
The coalition emphasized that it is not declaring the allegations as established facts but insists they are serious enough to warrant a transparent and comprehensive inquiry.
“Northern Nigeria has endured years of killings, displacement, and economic destruction due to banditry,” the statement read. “Any allegation suggesting complicity at the highest levels of government must be thoroughly investigated in the interest of justice and national security.”
The CNG also criticized Matawalle’s recent defamation lawsuit against Sokoto-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Murtala Asada, who has publicly accused the minister of sponsoring bandits. The group described the legal action as an attempt to silence critics rather than address the substance of the accusations through open scrutiny.
The coalition called for a joint investigation involving the National Assembly, security agencies, and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, with guarantees of protection for whistleblowers and prosecution of any individuals found culpable, irrespective of political status.
The controversy revives debates surrounding Matawalle’s controversial “peace dialogue” initiative with so-called repentant bandits during his time as Zamfara governor, a policy that involved negotiations, amnesty offers, and material incentives. While supporters argue the approach temporarily reduced violence, critics maintain it emboldened criminal groups and legitimised bandit leaders.
Matawalle has previously dismissed similar accusations as politically motivated attacks linked to rivalries within Zamfara State and broader political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections. As of the time of filing this report, the minister’s office had not issued a formal response to the CNG’s latest statement or the viral video allegations.
Banditry continues to pose a major security challenge in the North-West, with thousands killed and displaced over recent years. The development has intensified public scrutiny over possible high-level complicity as the federal government renews its campaign against insecurity.
The situation remains developing, with no official announcement yet on whether a formal investigation will be launched.
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