The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on Wednesday dismissed a circulating social media report that claimed he said security operations in Zamfara State “would not work without him,” describing it as false and “intended to cast the Service in a bad light.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, Matawalle clarified that he did not grant any interview where the alleged comment was made, insisting he never made such a claim.
Addressing the substance of the viral report, Matawalle said categorically that the publication was fabricated.
He said his past remarks centred on the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including federal and state authorities, to curb insecurity and tackle banditry.
The Minister also stressed that communication around national security must not allow misinformation to flourish, particularly at a time when agencies are “under intense pressure” to restore peace in affected communities.
In his appeal to newsrooms and digital media actors, he said investigations must not be obscured by unverified claims or politically driven narratives lacking credible sourcing.
The Minister also reaffirmed that the current presidency remains focused on security reforms, but clarified these were government positions, not his personal quotations.
He emphasised that Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to strengthening nationwide security, restoring public confidence, and improving conditions in affected communities.
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