“Only God Can End Insecurity in Nigeria,” Defence Minister Matawalle Says Amid Rising Attacks

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has said that only divine intervention, alongside collective national efforts, can ultimately bring an end to Nigeria’s escalating insecurity challenges.

Matawalle made the remarks in an interview with BBC Hausa, against the backdrop of renewed violent attacks across parts of the country, including recent school kidnappings in Oyo and Borno States.

According to reports, gunmen had attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. In a separate incident in Borno State, armed groups reportedly stormed schools in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, and abducted 42 pupils.

Describing the situation as deeply troubling, the minister said insecurity remains a national challenge that requires cooperation between security agencies, government, and citizens.

“It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country,” Matawalle said.

He cautioned against politicising the security situation, accusing some opposition figures of exploiting incidents to discredit the government.

“Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone,” he said, adding that some critics were circulating old and misleading videos to portray the current administration negatively.

Matawalle also insisted that Nigeria is not alone in facing security challenges, noting that even advanced nations continue to battle terrorism and violent crime.

“It is only God that can bring an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts,” he said.

He further assured that security agencies are intensifying operations nationwide to confront terrorist groups responsible for repeated attacks, while urging Nigerians to remain supportive and prayerful as efforts continue to restore peace.