The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for an urgent National Assembly–led investigation into allegations linking the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, to notorious bandit leaders operating in Zamfara State and the wider North-West.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition said it was deeply troubled by what it described as “grave and disturbing revelations” contained in alleged confessional statements attributed to Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant to Matawalle during his tenure as Zamfara State governor.
According to the group, the allegations go beyond routine political disputes and pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security architecture, raising questions about possible high-level complicity in the banditry crisis devastating northern communities.
The CNG said Kamarawa allegedly made claims involving the transfer of funds to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, the procurement of dozens of Hilux vehicles for criminal groups, and the provision of logistical support, including housing, cattle and other assets, allegedly facilitated by political figures in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Describing the claims as alarming, the coalition warned that, if proven, they would amount to “state-enabled sabotage” of Nigeria’s counter-banditry and counter-insurgency efforts.
“These allegations, if true, point to a deeply entrenched web of political alliances with terror networks capable of undermining years of military operations and exposing innocent communities to mass violence,” the group said.
The coalition criticised what it called hurried denials and political damage control, arguing that such responses only fuel public suspicion rather than restore confidence.
Charanchi said Nigeria could not credibly claim commitment to defeating terrorism while serious accusations of internal collaboration remain unresolved.
“A nation that shields suspected collaborators within its own leadership cannot win the trust of its people or succeed in the fight against violent criminality,” he said.
The group also faulted Matawalle’s reported decision to pursue legal action against Sheikh Murtala Asada, a cleric known for his vocal opposition to banditry, describing it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices instead of addressing the substance of the allegations.
“Resorting to litigation at such a sensitive moment appears less like clearing one’s name and more like an effort to muzzle criticism when transparency is urgently needed,” the statement added.
While reaffirming support for Sheikh Asada, the CNG urged him to present any evidence in his possession to help establish the truth.
Calling for accountability, the coalition demanded an independent, non-partisan investigation involving the National Assembly, relevant security and intelligence agencies, and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. It said the probe must scrutinise financial transactions, procurement records, communications and administrative decisions that may have enabled links between public officials and criminal networks.
The group also insisted on full protection for whistle-blowers and witnesses, stressing that anyone found culpable must face prosecution, regardless of status or political influence.
“Northern Nigeria has endured unimaginable pain—killings, displacement and economic ruin—because of banditry,” the coalition said, warning that failure to investigate the allegations would amount to a betrayal of affected communities.
“No rank or title should confer immunity from justice. Nigeria cannot fight insecurity with one hand while the other shields those who profit from chaos.”
