Matawalle, Banditry And The Silent Conspirators
By John Musa
In the North east zone of Nigeria, the echoes of gunfire and the cries of terror-stricken communities are gradually being replaced by an uneasy but hopeful silence. This silence, however, is not borne out of despair but out of the palpable progress being made in the war against banditry. For years, bandits held sway, wreaking havoc on innocent lives, displacing families, and crippling the socio-economic fabric of the zone. The situation was so dire that it became a political tool, with blame games and finger-pointing taking centre stage. Today, as the Nigerian military records victory after victory against these warlords, the once-vocal critics have fallen into a deafening silence, unwilling to acknowledge the progress or give credit where it is due, and this is most unfortunate.
When banditry was at its peak in the North-east, particularly in Zamfara state, the narrative was dominated by accusations and political grandstanding. Politicians, especially those from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara, were quick to point fingers at the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Even the governor of Zamfara state joined the fray in blaming Matawalle for the escalating insecurity, labelling him as incompetent and unfit for the role. These criticisms were not limited to verbal attacks; they spilled over into sponsored protests in Abuja, where demonstrators called for Matawalle’s removal. The objective of these politically motivated kangaroo protests were more of tarnishing the minister’s reputation than addressing the root causes of the insecurity.
With attention focused on bitter politicking rather than closing ranks to address the problem, the bandits consolidated their position, becoming somewhat invincible. Names like the late Kachalla Halilu Sububu and Kachalla Baleri Fakai Halilu, Kacalla Ɗan Baleri, whose camp was located in Sabon Mashekari, Batauna village, Shinkafi; Kacalla Dogo Kwaɗɗi, operating near Isa; Lawalli Dodo, based in Filinga village, Shinkafi; Kacalla Naguru, also operating from Filinga, Shinkafi, Kacalla Ɗan-Babirki, whose camp was in Fankama, near Rudunu village, Maradun; Kacala Hana-Zuwa, based in Jajjaye, Tubali region, Shinkafi; Kacalla Adamu, operating in Maradun, Kachallah Buzu, also known as Sububu, and Bello Turji struck fear into the hearts of many.
These warlords operated with impunity, launching deadly attacks on villages, kidnapping for ransom, and ambushing security forces. The Nigerian military appeared to be fighting a losing battle, and the public’s confidence in the government’s ability to restore peace was at an all-time low. The situation was exacerbated by the politicisation of the crisis, with opposition parties and even some within the ruling party using the insecurity as a weapon to undermine the federal government’s efforts.
Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has changed dramatically. The Nigerian military, supported by the leadership of Matawalle, has turned the tide against the bandits. Recent operations have dealt significant blows to the bandit groups, dismantling their strongholds and decimating their fighting forces.
Kachalla Halilu Sububu who prides as Bello Turji’s boss, a dreaded figure among many others, have met their end in the military’s renewed offensive. The biggest and most dreaded of them all, Turji, who struck fear across the zone, is now on the run after a successful military operation decimated his fighting troops, neutralising his most senior lieutenants, leaving his entire troops in disarray.
These victories are not just symbolic; they have tangible impacts on the ground. Communities that once lived in fear are beginning to experience a semblance of peace. Farmers are returning to their fields, markets are reopening, and children are going back to school. The progress represents a major reward of the dedication and resilience of the Nigerian military, as well as the strategic leadership of the military hierarchy and the ministers of fefence, especially Bello Matawalle who remained steadfast in the face of relentless criticism.
What is striking, unfortunately, is the silence that has followed these successes. The same politicians and activists who were quick to criticise Matawalle and call for his removal have been conspicuously absent in acknowledging the progress made. None of them has come forward to commend the minister. Where they manage to commend the military, the made sure to leave out the minister. But when it was failing, the left out the military completely to heap condemnation on Matawalle. As I write this, none has had the courage to set aside their political differences and recognise the impact of Matawalle in the strides being made in the fight against banditry.
Although, unfortunate, this silence speaks volumes about not just the nature of politics in Zamfara state, but also the politics in Nigeria. Our brand of politics is coloured with convenience, where criticism is swift and often unfounded, but accountability and acknowledgment are rare. Politicians are quick to exploit crises for their gain but are equally quick to retreat into silence when the tide turns. This behaviour not only demoralises those working tirelessly to address the nation’s challenges but also erodes public trust in the political system.
I believe the reluctance to acknowledge progress is not just a matter of pride or ego; it has real consequences. When politicians, motivated as it were by unpatriotic reasons, refuse to give credit where it is due, they discourage those in positions of responsibility from taking bold actions. Why should leaders stick their necks out to solve problems if they know they will only be criticised and never appreciated? This culture of negativity and bitterness stifles progress and perpetuates a cycle of underperformance.
If not for the flurry of testimonies from the people of Zamfara and environs, the silence of the critics would have sent a wrong message to the Nigerian public; creating the impression that nothing is being done or that the progress being made is insignificant. In the past, this practice has led to apathy and disillusionment among the citizens, further weakening the social fabric. In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, unity and collective efforts are essential for overcoming challenges. This is why when politicians prioritise their interests over the common good, they undermine the very foundation of the nation.
The current situation presents an opportunity for reflection and change. It is time for Nigerian politicians to rise above petty politics and embrace a culture of accountability and patriotism. Acknowledging the efforts of those who are making a difference does not diminish one’s political standing; on the contrary, it demonstrates maturity, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the nation’s progress.
Matawalle and the Nigerian military deserve commendation for their efforts in the fight against banditry. Their successes, achieved in the face of immense challenges and criticism, deserve anything but silence. It is high time those who were quick to criticise summoned the courage to appreciate and support these efforts.
Indeed, the deepening silence in the wake of these military victories against Bello Turji and his cohorts is not just a stark reminder of the toxic nature of Nigerian politics, it has become an opportunity for separating patriotic politicians from their self-serving counterparts. While the bandits are being pushed back and peace is gradually returning to the North-east, the silence of the critics now amounts to a missed opportunity to foster unity and collective progress. As a nation, Nigeria must learn to celebrate its heroes and hold its leaders accountable in a fair and constructive manner. Only then can the country truly overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all.
It must be said that the war on banditry is far from over, but the progress made so far is a beacon of hope. And while the successes cannot be dimmed by the convenient silence of hitherto very loud rabble-rousers, we must never allow the silence of these purveyors of doom to overshadow the efforts of the many who are working tirelessly to secure the nation. To those politicians not too far gone to be recalled, let this renewed onslaught of the military and all the success serve as the sacrifice that recalls them from the cycle of bitter politics, and to the embrace of a culture of appreciation and accountability. Only then can Nigeria truly rise above its challenges and achieve the peace and prosperity it deserves.
Musa writes from Abuja
