A former senior aide to Nigeria’s Defence Minister and former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle, has accused him of continuing to maintain direct contact with notorious terrorist commanders whom he allegedly funded, equipped, and politically mobilised during his time as governor.
The “mobilisation” had included providing “36 brand new Hilux vehicles” and buying stolen livestock from bandit groups.
The whistleblower, whose identity SaharaReporters is withholding for security reasons, spoke in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, detailing a sprawling web of political, financial, and operational links between Matawalle and terror kingpins in Zamfara State.
The former aide revealed that these connections have continued even after Matawalle became President Bola Tinubu’s Minister of Defence.
According to the source: “I was appointed as SA to the Zamfara State Governor, Dr Bello Matawalle. My village is among the areas affected by banditry activities. So, my role as SA gave me the opportunity to meditate between the government and bandits.”
His role, he said, exposed him to the inner dealings between the Matawalle administration and terror leaders.
“These appointments gave me the chance to know many of these terrorists and their activities,” he said.
He alleged that Matawalle now wants to silence him “because I knew all the atrocities he carried out with bandits during his tenure as Governor.”
Buying Stolen Cows Directly From Bandits
The former aide claimed the governor routinely purchased rustled cattle from terrorists at discounted prices, especially during festive seasons.
He said bandit leaders complained that when they took stolen animals to the market, owners often identified them, prompting Matawalle to buy directly.
“He uses to buy rustled animals from bandit with cheaper rate during sallah festive season… he decided to buy directly from them. And he bought them at flat rate… N150,000 each.”
He alleged that Matawalle regularly invited bandit commanders into Government House despite their involvement in killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement.
“He used to invite bandits to the Government House Zamfara during his tenure and discussed even political issues with them and how they would compel the communities to vote for him for the second tenure.”
36 Hilux Vehicles For Terrorist Leaders
One of the most explosive allegations is that the former governor procured dozens of government vehicles for leaders of terror groups.
“He bought 36 brand new Hilux vehicle to the bandits leaders in Zamfara State including Kachallah Turji and late Halilu Sububu among others.”
According to him, the people of Shinkafi were aware of these dealings:
“Even the people of Shinkafi Zamfara State they are aware.”
Continued Contact As Defence Minister
The source said Matawalle’s relationship with terror leaders has continued even after joining Tinubu’s cabinet.
“After he left the office as governor and his appointment as minister of defence, it is suprise that he is chatting these people. They always contact him for help.”
He specifically named one notorious commander: “There was one Bello Tugoje… they use to communicate through Whatsapp. The same guy is very close to the minister. And he was in Zamfara State payroll during his tenure as governor.”
He added that Matawalle still communicates with notorious terror kingpins: “He also communicates with Bello Turji and Kachallah Haru Dole via Whatsapp.”
Election Influence And 2027 Plans
The former aide claimed the minister maintains the relationships for political leverage.
“Those of us that are close to him, we are suprised why would a minister be doing this but it is clear why he is holding them.”
He alleged that Matawalle used bandit groups to secure votes in 2023 and intends to do so again in 2027.
“Because they are still using them during political periods and 2027 election is coming.”
He added that many terrorists voted for the ruling APC on Matawalle’s orders: “Many of these terrorists voted for APC in 2023 because the minister was the governor and he told them to vote for APC and Tinubu also won them, because of their votes.”
SaharaReporters days ago reported that Matawalle claimed that most bandit leaders and their foot soldiers had been neutralised, adding that “what remains now are a few scattered elements.”
He had added that President Bola Tinubu has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to eliminate the remaining bandit elements in the North-West.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that no fewer than 25 students were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, early Monday morning.
The attack, carried out by heavily armed bandits, left one staff member dead and another injured, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi.
The incident reportedly occurred around 4am when the assailants stormed the school and engaged police officers on duty in a fierce gun battle.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Matawalle during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation for the troops’ patriotism, courage, and “remarkable successes in decimating bandit formations across the Northwest.”
He told the soldiers: “Mr. President specifically asked me to tell you that you have done exceedingly well.
“Most of the key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are a few scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these remnants must be wiped out completely.
“He assures you of every necessary support — logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale — to finish the job,” he said.
Matawalle was received by the Theatre Commander, Major-General Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operational achievements, including the neutralisation of high-value targets and the recovery of communities previously under bandit control.
