Kimberly Daniels, a Florida state representative and chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), has called for the removal or redeployment of Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, over concerns raised in a security assessment report on Nigeria.
Daniels made the call in a statement on Tuesday while releasing a report on Nigeria’s security crisis and recent killings in the north-central and north-west regions.
The report examined the implications of Nigeria’s security leadership following attacks during the 2026 Easter period that left many dead in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.
Daniels said the findings revealed a surge in violence targeting religious congregations during Palm Sunday and Easter services.
She noted that local leaders and survivors reported a disconnect between government rhetoric and the reality of safety on the ground, despite official condemnations.
The report expressed concern over the retention of Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, citing alleged “red flags.”
These include allegations of complicity with bandits during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State, claims of harbouring bandit leaders, and concerns over a lack of relevant security experience.
She called for the removal or redeployment of Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry.
“To the Government of Nigeria, the results of the assessment urge President Tinubu to ‘look inward’ and remove elements that compromise national security,” she said.
“Specifically, an immediate leadership review, including the removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry.”
Daniels also recommended a transparent investigation into allegations of high-level complicity with banditry and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
She urged the United States government and international partners to increase diplomatic pressure to ensure accountability for those accused of aiding terrorism.
“The position I take on this issue is because of citizens reaching out to me from Nigeria,” she said.
“My connection to Nigeria as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Chairwoman of UN-WCD would not allow me to be silent.
“Based on the referenced report, the attacks against believers in Northern Nigeria are allegedly enabled by insiders within leadership.
“The greatest form of terrorism a person can experience is terror that comes from ‘homegrown familiar enemies.’
“When the people you trust to protect you work undercover with those who want to harm you, it must be devastating.”
She added that House Resolution 761 supports redesignating Nigeria as a country of particular concern and has received bipartisan support in the Florida House.
