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GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE — Severe allegations linking the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to banditry and terrorism financing have resurfaced following detailed public claims by his former Senior Special Assistant, Musa Muhammad Kamarawa.
In a video circulating on social media, Kamarawa accused his former boss of actively supporting prominent terror commanders, including Kachalla Halilu, Bello Turji, and Ado Aleru, with vehicles, financial settlements, and logistical backing during his tenure as governor.
According to Kamarawa, the former governor instructed the purchase and distribution of utility vehicles directly to wanted terror kingpins. The former aide further stated that sums amounting to millions of Naira were disbursed to bandit groups operating across all fourteen local government areas of the state. He also claimed personal involvement in the procurement and renovation of a property allegedly gifted to terror commander Bello Turji, and accused Matawalle of dispatching representatives to shield and relocate a high-profile suspect following an arrest by security agents.
The allegations reinforce long-standing accusations made by the incumbent Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and Islamic cleric Mallam Murtala Bello Asada, who have repeatedly called for Matawalle’s resignation and prosecution.
However, Matawalle and his media representatives have previously rejected the allegations, maintaining that his administration’s interactions with bandit leaders were part of an official, state-sanctioned amnesty and peace dialogue backed by regional stakeholders and security heads. Additionally, terror kingpin Bello Turji released a counter-statement denying receiving cash settlements directly from Matawalle, claiming Kamarawa was being used as a political pawn.
The revelations have fueled renewed demands from civil society groups for a comprehensive federal investigation into high-level government collusion with bandits in the Northwest region.
