Zamfara youths refute report linking Matawalle to bandits

The Zamfara Youth Network (ZYN) has denied a recent publication alleging that Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, provided 36 Hilux vehicles to bandits and maintains communication with terrorist groups. Speaking in Gusau on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Musa Usman, described the report as false and said it does not reflect the […]

The Zamfara Youth Network (ZYN) has denied a recent publication alleging that Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, provided 36 Hilux vehicles to bandits and maintains communication with terrorist groups.

Speaking in Gusau on Wednesday, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Musa Usman, described the report as false and said it does not reflect the minister’s record in office.

According to Usman, no vehicles were handed to bandits during Matawalle’s tenure as governor or as minister.

He said the allegations previously surfaced years ago and, according to him, were investigated by security agencies at the time.

Usman also said individuals mentioned in the publication as bandit leaders were no longer active, noting that the military has intensified operations in the North-West.

He added that the group could not verify the identity of the person referred to in the report as a whistle-blower, saying checks did not match the description provided.

“We believe the story does not reflect the current security situation in Zamfara, where significant progress has been made in stabilising communities,” he said.

The group expressed support for the ongoing security operations in the state and commended the minister’s collaboration with military personnel.

“The improved security situation we are witnessing today is the result of sustained efforts by the Ministry of Defence and security agencies,” Usman stated.

He called on the public to be cautious about unverified reports and urged media houses to ensure accuracy in sensitive security matters.