The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for disregarding calls to dismiss Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over unfounded allegations that he sponsored bandit activities in the state.

The party also urged current governor Dauda Lawal to adopt the dual security strategy—both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches—employed by Matawalle to combat Zamfara’s escalating insecurity. This appeal follows recent protests by women and youths from the state at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, condemning the recent rise in banditry. The protesters, who claimed that Matawalle had collaborated with the bandits during his administration, were blocked from accessing the DSS premises after arriving in about 12 buses.

Addressing the media in Abuja, Zamfara APC Youth Coordinator, Ubaidullah Kaura, expressed concerns over Governor Lawal’s approach to the worsening insecurity. Kaura noted that despite belonging to different political parties, Lawal should continue the effective security measures initiated by his predecessor.

“We extend our gratitude to President Tinubu for trusting Matawalle and retaining him as Minister of State for Defence,” Kaura said. “The accusations against Matawalle are propagated by politically motivated groups, as confirmed by the President’s adviser, Bayo Onanuga, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.”

Kaura highlighted that Matawalle’s administration balanced the use of force with negotiations, significantly reducing security risks. He called on Governor Lawal to consult the handover notes from Matawalle’s tenure to ensure continuity and enhance security efforts across Zamfara State.