Northern pressure groups has demanded a full-scale investigation into serious allegations linking the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, to bandit networks operating in Zamfara State and parts of the North-West.
The call was made by the Coalition of Northern Groups, which said the claims raise deep concerns about national security and the integrity of Nigeria’s fight against banditry.
The group insisted that the matter has moved beyond politics and now touches the core of public safety and trust in government.
In a statement issued on Friday, the coalition said it was disturbed by what it described as “grave and disturbing revelations” contained in alleged confessional statements linked to Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle when he served as governor of Zamfara State.
The group said the alleged confession has triggered fresh questions about the role of political actors in the sustained violence plaguing northern communities.
It argued that the accusations, if left unresolved, could weaken confidence in ongoing security operations across the region.
The statement was signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi. He said the allegations strike at the foundation of Nigeria’s security architecture and demand urgent legislative attention.
According to the coalition, Kamarawa allegedly made claims involving financial transfers to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
The alleged claims also include the procurement of several Hilux vehicles for criminal groups and the provision of logistics such as housing, cattle and other assets.
These actions were said to have been facilitated by political figures in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The group warned that the alleged pattern of engagement suggests possible collaboration between top political actors and violent groups terrorising the North-West.
It described the situation as “state-enabled sabotage” if the allegations are proven to be true.
“These claims, if proven, point to a deeply entrenched web of political alliances with terror networks, capable of undermining years of military operations and exposing vulnerable communities to mass violence,” the coalition said.
The group criticised what it described as rushed denials and political responses aimed at damage control. It said such reactions only fuel suspicion among citizens who have suffered years of attacks, displacement and killings.
Charanchi said Nigeria cannot claim seriousness in its war against insecurity while allegations of collaboration within government circles remain unresolved.
He warned that shielding suspected collaborators erodes public confidence and weakens national resolve.
The coalition also faulted Matawalle’s reported move to pursue legal action against Sheikh Murtala Asada, a cleric known for his strong stance against banditry. It said the action appeared to be an attempt to silence dissent rather than a genuine effort to address the allegations.
“Resorting to litigation in this context appears less like the defence of reputation and more like a calculated attempt to muzzle a critical voice at a time when transparency is urgently needed,” Charanchi said.
While expressing support for Sheikh Asada, the group urged him to make public any evidence in his possession to assist authorities in uncovering the truth. It said the moment demands courage from individuals with relevant information.
“This is the moment for all truth-tellers to speak without fear. Silencing those who raise alarms only strengthens impunity and weakens the fight against insecurity,” the statement added.
The coalition called for an immediate, independent and non-partisan investigation. It said the probe should be led by the National Assembly and supported by security and intelligence agencies, as well as the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
It said investigators must examine financial records, procurement processes, communication trails and official decisions that may have enabled contact between public office holders and criminal networks.
The group also demanded full protection for whistle-blowers and witnesses. It insisted that anyone found culpable, regardless of rank or political standing, must be prosecuted according to the law.
According to the coalition, northern Nigeria has endured years of violence marked by killings, kidnappings and economic ruin.
It warned that failure to act decisively on the allegations would amount to a betrayal of affected communities.
“No rank or title should confer immunity from justice,” the group said. “Nigeria cannot fight insecurity with one hand while the other shields those who profit from chaos.”