Questions over accountability in Nigeria’s defence leadership are intensifying, following a call by the National Coalition Against Terrorism for President Bola Tinubu to reassess the role of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The coalition made its position known during a press conference in Abuja, where its convener, Barrister Marvin Ibe, urged immediate action, citing concerns about public trust and the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the country.

According to the group, the demand is influenced by an assessment reportedly linked to a United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, which raised issues about Nigeria’s current security leadership structure. The coalition argued that such concerns reflect broader anxieties about the direction of the fight against insurgency.

They warned that failure to act decisively could weaken confidence in the nation’s security institutions and potentially embolden criminal groups operating in different regions. The group also questioned whether the current leadership arrangement is delivering the needed results in tackling insecurity.

Beyond the call for a leadership review, the coalition stressed the need for stronger institutional measures, including intensified efforts to identify and prosecute individuals financing terrorism. They maintained that accountability at the top is critical to restoring credibility within the defence system.

While the Federal Government has not formally responded to the demand, the development highlights growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s security architecture and the increasing pressure on authorities to demonstrate measurable progress in addressing persistent threats.