Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has revealed that during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, he successfully secured the release of thousands of innocent citizens abducted by bandits, without paying any ransom. Matawalle stated that he utilized all available options, including dialogue, a strategy that was endorsed by key stakeholders within the state and ultimately proved effective.
The Minister made this disclosure on Monday during an exclusive interview with Channels TV, where he recounted his time as Governor and his current role as Minister of State for Defence. He emphasized that his engagement in dialogue with bandits was instrumental in safeguarding the people of Zamfara.
“I initiated reconciliation and dialogue with the bandits, and it worked. When I assumed office as Governor, I questioned why banditry and kidnapping were so rampant. I sought advice on the most effective way to address the situation, convening stakeholders’ meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, Fulani leaders, and vigilante groups. I listened to their perspectives and recommendations,” Matawalle explained.
“Following these discussions, I held consultations with the state’s security agencies, and based on the consensus from stakeholders, the decision was made to pursue dialogue with the bandits. I had no choice but to follow this course of action, as my priority was the protection of my people. I could not stand by while the state experienced incessant killings.”
Matawalle highlighted that the dialogue yielded remarkable results, leading to the recovery of large quantities of ammunition and the release of thousands of abducted individuals. “The records are there to prove it,” he added.
He also pointed out that he was not the first to adopt this approach, noting that previous leaders, including former President Buhari and other governors in the North West and North Central regions, had also engaged in dialogue to secure the release of kidnapped individuals.
“People seem to forget that even President Buhari, in his efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls, resorted to dialogue. This is a globally recognized practice. My objective was clear: to save my people from being killed and to secure the release of innocent citizens. Israel is currently doing something similar with Palestine, negotiating for the release of hostages.”
Matawalle expressed no regret for his actions, stressing that he had successfully secured the release of numerous individuals, including foreign nationals, without paying any ransom. He also referenced the release of a relative of the current Zamfara State Governor, which was achieved through the same dialogue process.
“A younger brother of Dauda Lawal, the current Governor of Zamfara, was kidnapped seven months before I became Governor. Initially, a ransom of 500 million Naira was demanded, which Dauda Lawal refused to pay. However, after we initiated dialogue, his brother was released unconditionally without any payment. This is a matter of public record, and the people of Zamfara can attest to it.”
Matawalle dismissed accusations linking him to bandits, attributing such claims to political blackmail driven by hatred. “People can say whatever they want, but they have no proof. If anyone has evidence of my involvement with bandits, they should present it. I wasn’t the only one who pursued dialogue with these groups. The former Governor of Niger State, Abu Sani Bello, did the same, as did Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and the Governor of Katsina.”