By Dan Zendesha 

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has said that ending insecurity in Nigeria will require both spiritual support and coordinated action from citizens and security agencies. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, he stressed that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of political or religious affiliation.

He also accused opposition figures of politicising the crisis and cautioned against the circulation of misleading online content.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called for a combined approach of faith, unity, and sustained security operations to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity challenges.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, he said the crisis transcends political, ethnic, and religious boundaries, warning that no group is immune.

According to him, the situation demands cooperation between citizens and security agencies, alongside national solidarity.

“It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country,” he said.

Matawalle also shifted attention to the political climate, accusing opposition figures of exploiting insecurity for political advantage. He urged restraint and responsible communication, especially in public commentary on national security issues.

“That is why we have urged the opposition to stop using insecurity to incite people… Unfortunately, some members of the opposition appear pleased with the situation,” he added.

Beyond political tensions, the minister emphasized what he described as a dual necessity: human effort and spiritual support. He stated that defeating insecurity requires collective prayers alongside operational security measures.

“It is only God that can bring an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts,” he said.

Matawalle further raised concerns about misinformation online, alleging that outdated and foreign videos are being recycled to misrepresent current security conditions in Nigeria.

He maintained that security forces are actively engaged across multiple fronts to counter terrorism and other threats, adding that insecurity is a global challenge affecting even advanced nations.

“Our security operatives are working tirelessly across the country… Even some of the world’s powerful nations have battled insecurity for years,” he noted.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to support security agencies and remain hopeful for peace.