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Matawalle: HURIWA Faults Online Smear, Warns Against Politicising National Security*

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Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned what it described as a coordinated wave of social media harassment, cyberbullying and politically motivated attacks against the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, following the recent circulation of an old video taken out of context.

In a statement issued on Monday, HURIWA said the renewed attempts to portray Matawalle as a sympathiser of terrorists were dishonest, malicious and driven by partisan interests rather than any genuine concern for national security or accountability.

HURIWA noted that the video being recycled was recorded in 2021 when Matawalle was Governor of Zamfara State and reflected a policy approach at the time aimed at de-escalating violence and protecting vulnerable communities caught between armed groups and vigilante excesses. According to the rights group, reducing such complex security conversations to simplistic soundbites years later is a deliberate effort to misinform the public and incite hatred.

The association stressed that it is both intellectually lazy and morally reckless to equate efforts at conflict resolution, dialogue or intelligence-led engagement with criminal endorsement. It argued that modern counterinsurgency strategies across the world recognise that understanding the drivers of violence does not amount to justifying it.

HURIWA observed that the timing of the renewed attacks is suspicious, coming shortly after the resignation of the former Minister of Defence on health grounds and the subsequent appointment of General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister. The organisation said it is not coincidental that these narratives resurfaced at a moment of transition within the defence architecture, suggesting a deliberate attempt to sow discord and weaken public confidence in the Tinubu administration.

According to HURIWA, the campaign against Matawalle bears the clear fingerprints of political vendetta, particularly from individuals and groups unsettled by his political relevance, his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his continued influence in Zamfara State politics. The group said some of the attacks are also rooted in calculations ahead of future electoral contests in Zamfara, where Matawalle remains a formidable political force.

HURIWA maintained that since assuming office as Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has demonstrated commitment to the collective security agenda of the Tinubu administration, working within established military and intelligence frameworks rather than acting as a lone political actor. The association said attempts to reduce national security challenges to personal scapegoating ignore the institutional nature of defence operations and the shared responsibility of multiple agencies.

The rights group further described the attacks as part of a broader anti-Tinubu campaign by political adversaries who, unable to confront the President directly, have chosen to target some of his most loyal and visible allies. According to HURIWA, Matawalle has become a fallback target for those seeking to undermine the President by proxy, precisely because of his reputation as one of Tinubu’s most steadfast political foot soldiers.

HURIWA warned that normalising cyberbullying, misinformation and character assassination against public officials without evidence poses a serious threat to democratic discourse and national cohesion. It urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism and orchestrated disinformation designed to inflame emotions and destabilise governance.

The association also faulted calls for Matawalle’s resignation, describing them as baseless and unjustified. Instead, HURIWA said that an objective assessment of his political service and loyalty to the current administration would warrant recognition rather than vilification.

“Rather than campaigning for Dr Matawalle to be sacked, those who genuinely care about good governance should be demanding that President Tinubu elevate him to a senior ministerial position,” HURIWA stated. “He has shown uncommon dedication, political discipline and loyalty to the President and the ruling party, qualities that are essential for stability in any administration.”

HURIWA concluded by calling on security agencies to remain focused on their constitutional duties and not be distracted by online noise, while urging social media users to exercise restraint and responsibility. The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic institutions, rule of law and fairness, warning that weaponising misinformation against public officials ultimately undermines national security and democracy itself.

Law & Crime

Nigeria Police Force Resumes Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement January 2026-Force Spokesman

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IGP Kayode Egbetokun

By Our Correspondent

The Nigeria Police Force informs the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court.

This decision according to a release issued to newsmen by the Force Spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin followed a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.

According to him, It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles.

Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.

Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes.

In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws. He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure.

Meanwhile, motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.

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Law & Crime

Lakwaya Attack: Senator Barau Hails Rapid Security Response, Seeks End To Bandit Incursions

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Deputy President of Senate, Barau Jibrin

By George Mgbeleke

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has commended security operatives for rescuing three of the five persons kidnapped in Zurin Mahauta village in Lakwaya town, Gwarzo LGA of Kano State, by bandits on Sunday night.

Bandits suspected to be from neighbouring states stormed the village last night and abducted five persons.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, urged the security operatives to go after the criminal and rescue the remaining two.

” Last night’s invasion of Zurin Mahauta village in Lakwaya town in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State by marauding bandits is condemnable, and these criminals must be dealt with forthwith. The good news, however, is that the security operatives have rescued three out of the five persons kidnapped. I urge our gallant officers to go after the criminals to rescue the remaining two persons,” he said.

In an online publication around 3 p.m. on Monday, Daily Trust quoted Captain Babatunde Zubairu, an Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, as saying, “three persons have so far been rescued.”

Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said the incursion into villages in Kano must stop.

” This unfortunate incursion must be the last in the series of attacks on our peace-loving people. For weeks, there have been no attacks in our area until last night.

” In this regard, I appeal to our gallant security operatives to redouble their efforts in fortifying the areas and remain vigilant in tackling these marauding criminal elements.

” The security of our people’s lives and properties is paramount. I will continue to support our security agencies with logistics to enhance their performance,” he said.

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Law & Crime

Niger state NDLEA arrests youths, criminals indulge in hard drugs, dangerous weapons in Minna

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Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA,Niger State command, has revealed that the urban patrol introduced by the Command in Minna metropolis and environs has recorded landmark successes, leading to the arrest of many youths engaged in drugs, miscreants as well as criminals with dangerous weapons.

Niger State Commander of NDLEA,Commander Shehu Gwadabawa gave the hint while speaking with Journalists in his office, in Minna, Monday 15th December,2025.

Commander Gwadabawa, explained that the urban patrol was aimed to curtail the youths’ restiveness who engaged in phone snatching and attack on the innocent people within the metropolis.

Commander Shehu also elaborated that aside from urban patrol,the agency has also carried out regular raids on some black spots and arrested youths engaged in drugs.

According to him “.We introduced the patrol so that the restive youths would have second thoughts before they move around, adding that, they know,they can be intercepted ,of course,the urban patrol has curtailed their movement drastically”.He noted.

“We do stop and search within the city center in Minna in order to ensure that movement of illegal drugs from one point to another is curtail”.He emphasized.

The NDLEA Commander had earlier revealed that from January to November,2025,the state command had seized over 3 tones of cannabis and had arrested 6 persons,and 4 vehicles, adding that,they were all charged to court and each was jailed for 10 years.

“Within the period under review,we have made a huge recovery of (244) bags of cannabis weighing over 3,000 kilograms in Suleja,so we are recording successes”.He asserted

NDLEA boss had warned drug dealers to re-think,if they don’t want to be arrested,they should leave the business,or relocate and leave Niger.

In Gwadabawa’s words”.We will definitely get you and when we get you, you will be prosecuted,he also urged parents to watch their children closely as well as disassociate them with bad friends”.

He however advised community leaders and other stakeholders to feel free and come ward to report issues of drugs in their immediate communities, assuring that the agency is ready to partner with any one with useful and genuine information that will assist the agency perform its functions ultimately.

Commander Shehu Gwadabawa, applauded governor Muhammad Umaru Bago for granting expressed approval for the construction of the agency parameter fence, saying that the command has been operating without a fence for over Two decades.

He also appreciated the governor for the gesture of an Helix van,and appealed for more vehicles so as to enable the command Police the state adequately.

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