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A coalition of Nigerians in the United States has condemned recent remarks by US lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, describing her call for the removal of Bello Matawalle as “ill-informed, externally influenced, and injurious to Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
The group, operating under the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability (NACSS), said the intervention reflects a growing trend of foreign commentary shaped by individuals with limited understanding of Nigeria’s complex security realities.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its convener, Dr Maxwell Akarachi, the coalition warned that attempts to single out key figures within Nigeria’s defense structure could distort facts and embolden forces working against national stability.
Akarachi said Daniels’ position appeared “curiously aligned with narratives long promoted by vested interests intent on discrediting Nigeria’s security institutions,” raising concerns about the motivations behind her claims.
“It is deeply concerning that a foreign legislator would adopt such a narrow and accusatory stance without engaging the full spectrum of stakeholders or appreciating the progress being made under extremely difficult circumstances,” he said.
The coalition argued that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, stem from longstanding structural weaknesses, cross-border criminal networks, and evolving asymmetric threats, rather than the actions of a single official.
It added that portraying Matawalle as a liability based on “unproven and recycled allegations” undermines ongoing efforts and risks legitimizing misinformation at a critical time.
“Those pushing these narratives know exactly what they are doing. They are attempting to fracture confidence in Nigeria’s defense leadership by amplifying half-truths and presenting them as established facts,” the statement said.
While acknowledging persistent security challenges, the coalition noted incremental gains in disrupting armed groups and reclaiming communities previously affected by banditry.
Akarachi also questioned the timing of Daniels’ remarks, suggesting they could be exploited by actors seeking to internationalize Nigeria’s internal security issues for political or strategic purposes.
“When foreign voices echo unverified claims and prescribe drastic actions, it raises legitimate questions about whose interests are truly being served. Nigeria must not become a theater for externally driven narratives that weaken its institutions,” he said.
The coalition stressed that accountability within Nigeria’s security sector should be pursued through established legal and institutional channels, rather than through what it described as “public campaigns orchestrated from afar.”
It urged international partners to adopt a more measured and responsible approach, emphasizing that constructive engagement, not public criticism is key to addressing shared security concerns.
“We welcome global partnerships, but such partnerships must be grounded in respect, accuracy, and a genuine commitment to solutions,” Akarachi added.
The group concluded by calling on Nigerians both at home and abroad to remain vigilant against what it described as coordinated efforts to undermine national institutions, stressing that the country’s security challenges require unity, resilience, and strategic focus.
DAILY POST reports that US lawmaker Daniels called for the removal of Matawalle.
Insecurity: Group decries interference by foreigners with no knowledge of Nigeria’s challenges
