Nigerians Demand Accountability as Old Video of Matawalle Defending Bandits Resurfaces

The steady stream of troubling events, especially those linked to insecurity, has taken a heavy mental toll on Nigerians. Many citizens say the chaos, contradictions, and conspiracy theories surrounding the nation’s security challenges are overwhelming and deeply unsettling.

A resurfaced 2021 video has reignited public outrage following the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru. The clip, now trending across social platforms, shows former Zamfara State governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, defending certain bandits during a briefing at the State House after meeting then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The comments, originally made during his governorship, have sparked nationwide calls for his resignation. Many Nigerians argue that anyone perceived as sympathetic to bandits should not be occupying any position of influence within the country’s security architecture — let alone the Ministry of Defence.

On YouTube, one channel described the resurfaced video as “one of President Tinubu’s biggest mistakes,” accusing the administration of appointing someone with questionable views on insecurity. Reactions have been equally intense on Facebook. Akinyemi Lofindipe wrote: “Old video or not, how does someone who holds such views become a minister of defense in the first place?”

In the old clip, Matawalle said: “Not all of them are criminals… sometimes they were cheated by so-called vigilante groups… They did not have anyone to speak with, so sometimes they went for revenge.” He further suggested that some bandits were “good citizens” driven into crime by circumstances.

Many Nigerians found this logic troubling. Critics argue that describing individuals who willingly engage in violence as “good citizens” contradicts any realistic definition of justice and accountability. Francis Afolayan questioned the reasoning on Facebook, writing: “You agree someone is a terrorist, then call him a good man. What kind of leadership is this?”

Another user, Jacob Kenny Idowu, added: “We cannot win this war with this type of person as a defence minister. There is no justification for committing crimes irrespective of what led to it.”

The resurfaced video has further fueled allegations that some political actors may be leveraging relationships with bandit groups for electoral advantage. Several users on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, without evidence, that certain leaders might be maintaining contact with armed groups ahead of the 2027 elections.

On X, @ehiralp7 wrote: “Imagine this kind of talk on national TV. That’s why insecurity is still persistent.” Another user, @paugodwin967, reacted: “So kidnapping an entire community is part of the ‘circumstances’?”

Some commenters went even further. @chudilingo4438 said: “Look at the individuals managing your security. Many have been implicated as sympathizers. Who doesn’t know this?”

The controversy has deepened public frustration at a time when insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. For many citizens, the resurfaced video raises long-standing questions about leadership, accountability, and the sincerity of efforts to restore peace.