Security and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Bello Matawalle from his position as Minister of State for Defence.
Makama made the call following the resignation of Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, who cited health reasons in a letter dated December 1, 2025. Badaru, a former Jigawa State Governor, formally stepped down, and a statement from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu had accepted the resignation, expressed gratitude for his service, and would inform the Senate of a successor later this week.
In a post on X, Zagazola also urged the President to sack the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam.
He wrote: “When will Matawalle GO? Nigeria’s security framework continues to suffer not only from operational gaps but from leadership failures at the top. Many citizens are questioning when those without proven capacity in key security positions will step aside for competent, experienced professionals.”
Zagazola criticized recent appointments under the Defence Ministry, saying many individuals lack the expertise and strategic understanding required for such sensitive roles. He added that the Ministry of Police Affairs faces a similar challenge, with the Minister’s visibility and impact largely unknown to the public.
“These are frontline ministries, not ceremonial roles,” he stated. “They demand seasoned leaders with experience in security management, operational oversight, and institutional reforms. Without competent leadership, Nigeria’s fight against insecurity risks being undermined from within.”
President Tinubu has recently implemented changes within the military hierarchy to strengthen national security, but critics continue to call for the removal of certain ministers responsible for safeguarding the country.
