By Musa Luka
A northern-based organisation, the Northern Progressive and Advancement Forum, has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to apprehend Nigerians alleged to be agitating for foreign intervention in the nation’s security challenges.
The call was made on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the group’s spokesperson, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, after an emergency meeting convened to address what it described as escalating “reckless political utterances.”
Yusuf warned that freedom of expression and political disagreement must not serve as a shield for “treasonable statements” capable of threatening Nigeria’s unity, peaceful coexistence, and national sovereignty.
He accused certain northern politicians—particularly from Zamfara State—of benefitting from past political appointments yet resorting to “dangerous rhetoric” due to political differences and personal grievances.
According to him, such agitation has increasingly targeted the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, with critics allegedly attempting to undermine his achievements in office.
“A highly placed politician from Zamfara State, who should be offering solutions to our lingering security challenges, is instead fuelling tension and making reckless statements,” Yusuf said.
He recalled that during Matawalle’s tenure as governor, he removed a traditional ruler who reportedly conferred a chieftaincy title on notorious bandit leader Ado Alero.
Yusuf also accused former APGA National Secretary, Abdullahi Shinkafi, of repeatedly criticising Matawalle and making allegations he described as unsubstantiated.
Condemning such remarks as harmful to national progress, the group insisted that the Defence Minister occupies his position legitimately with the President’s approval and is working in the interest of Nigerians.
“We call on the DSS and the NIS to arrest Senator Kabiru Marafa and Alhaji Abdullahi Shinkafi and to seize their international passports for actions capable of undermining national peace and security,” Yusuf stated.
The forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Matawalle and highlighted what it described as his contributions to counter-insurgency efforts, including the rescue of schoolgirls in Kebbi and previous rescues in Chibok, Dapchi, and Yauri.
Yusuf further praised the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies for what he termed their recorded successes in combating insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality.
He urged northerners to unite, embrace constructive engagement, and take advantage of available opportunities to address regional challenges and promote socioeconomic development and peaceful coexistence.
Dan Zaki Media 