As attacks continue to claim lives across parts of Nigeria, a statement from the country’s Minister of State for Defence has triggered fresh debate about the government’s ability to tackle insecurity. Speaking on the persistent violence affecting communities, Bello Matawalle said that only God can completely end insecurity, a comment that quickly drew attention in a country still grappling with banditry, terrorism and kidnappings.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has defended the federal government’s efforts against insecurity while insisting that no government can entirely eliminate crime and violence.
Speaking during an interview reported by BusinessDay, Matawalle argued that insecurity is a global challenge and not a problem unique to Nigeria. He maintained that despite ongoing attacks in parts of the country, security agencies have recorded significant successes against criminal groups operating across several regions.
His most widely discussed remark came when he stated that only God has the power to completely end insecurity.
“Only God can end insecurity completely,” Matawalle said, while stressing that governments can only continue working to reduce threats and improve public safety.
The comments come at a time when concerns over security remain one of the biggest issues facing Nigerians.
Across several northern states, communities continue to face attacks from bandits, kidnappers and armed groups. In the northeast, security forces are still battling insurgent factions, while other parts of the country have experienced incidents linked to communal violence, separatist tensions and organized criminal networks.
For many Nigerians, insecurity has become a daily reality that affects farming, business activities, education and transportation.
Matawalle, however, insisted that the administration has made meaningful progress.
According to him, military operations have weakened several criminal networks, while improved cooperation among security agencies has helped prevent attacks and rescue kidnapped victims. He argued that public discussions often focus on new incidents while overlooking successes recorded by troops on the ground.
The minister also pushed back against criticism that the government is failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens.
He noted that even advanced countries continue to experience violent crimes, terrorism and security threats despite having stronger resources and more sophisticated security systems.
The central message from Matawalle was that insecurity can be managed and reduced, but expecting its complete disappearance may be unrealistic.
His remarks have nevertheless generated mixed reactions.
Supporters argue that the minister was simply acknowledging a reality that no nation has fully eradicated crime or violence. They contend that security challenges exist worldwide and that governments should be judged on whether they are making progress rather than whether they can achieve perfection.
Critics see the statement differently.
Some opposition figures and civil society groups argue that comments suggesting only divine intervention can end insecurity risk creating the impression that government officials are lowering expectations or avoiding accountability.
Others insist that while insecurity may never disappear entirely, citizens have a right to expect stronger protection and more visible results from security agencies.
The debate reflects broader frustrations surrounding Nigeria’s long-running security challenges.
Over the years, successive administrations have pledged to defeat insurgency, tackle banditry and restore stability in troubled regions. While security forces have recorded important victories, many communities continue to face recurring attacks, fueling public concern about whether enough progress is being made.
Matawalle’s comments also highlight the difficult balance government officials often face when discussing security.
On one hand, they seek to reassure citizens that efforts are producing results. On the other, they must acknowledge the complexity of threats that have persisted for years despite military operations and policy interventions.
For millions of Nigerians, however, the discussion goes beyond political messaging.
What matters most is whether communities can live without fear, whether farmers can return safely to their fields, and whether businesses can operate without the threat of violence or kidnapping.
As the conversation sparked by Matawalle’s remarks continues, one reality remains unchanged: insecurity remains one of the defining challenges confronting Nigeria, and public pressure for lasting solutions is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.
