A member of the Florida House of Representatives, Kimberly Daniels, has called for the removal or redeployment of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns raised in a security assessment on the country.
Daniels, who also chairs the United World Congress of Diplomats, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday while unveiling a report on Nigeria’s security situation, particularly recent killings in parts of the north-central and north-west regions.
The report reviewed developments following attacks during the 2026 Easter period in Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa states, which reportedly left several people dead.
It highlighted a rise in violence targeting religious gatherings, including incidents during Palm Sunday and Easter services.
According to Daniels, testimonies from community leaders and survivors point to a gap between official assurances and the realities on the ground.
The report raised concerns over the continued retention of Matawalle in the defence ministry, citing alleged “red flags,” including claims of links to banditry during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State, allegations of harbouring armed groups, and questions around his security expertise.
“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, immediate leadership review. The removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry.”
Daniels also called for a transparent probe into allegations of high-level complicity in banditry, alongside stronger protection measures for vulnerable communities.
She further urged the United States and other international partners to intensify diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to ensure accountability for individuals accused of supporting 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 protected by leadership from the inside.
“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 others who want to harm you, it must be devastating!”
She added that House Resolution 761, which supports redesignating Nigeria as a country of particular concern, has received bipartisan backing in the Florida legislature.
