The Zamfara State Government has publicly expressed alarm over the alleged involvement of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in the intimidation of political opponents. A statement issued Wednesday evening by Governor’s spokesperson, Suleiman Bala Idris, accused the minister of leveraging federal security apparatus to target opposition figures in the state.
According to Idris, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has reportedly been implicated in what is described as a politically motivated operation. The spokesperson claimed that Saleem Abubakar, a Technical Assistant in the Zamfara State Governor’s office, was unlawfully abducted in Abuja.
“The unlawful abduction is believed to have been carried out by a special forces unit operating under the National Security Adviser’s office,” Idris stated. He added that the operation was allegedly orchestrated under the direction of Minister Bello Matawalle. The abductors, acting without any arrest warrant, reportedly moved Abubakar through multiple undisclosed locations, seemingly to hide their actions.
Idris warned that incidents of this nature undermine the credibility of the nation’s security agencies and could set a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that “no level of political desperation justifies compromising the impartiality and integrity of the nation’s security agencies.”
The Zamfara government also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, urging that the National Security Adviser’s office uphold lawful and transparent procedures. “If the Defence Minister or the operatives involved have any case against Saleem Abubakar, they should pursue it through the courts rather than resorting to abduction,” Idris asserted.
Officials in Zamfara confirmed that the state government is closely monitoring developments and is committed to seeking justice while ensuring that such alleged abuses of power are not left unchecked.
Analysis
The claims highlight growing concerns over the politicization of federal security structures in Nigeria. Allegations of using the NSA’s office for partisan purposes, if substantiated, could significantly erode public trust in national security institutions. Observers note that resolving the issue through formal legal channels rather than clandestine operations is essential for maintaining institutional integrity and protecting Nigeria’s domestic and international reputation.
The incident also underscores the delicate balance between state and federal powers, emphasizing the need for transparent accountability mechanisms to prevent the misuse of authority for political advantage.
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