Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Zamfara State Government has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation directed at opposition figures in the state, alleging that federal security institutions are being misused for partisan purposes. The accusation, which has triggered fresh debate about the neutrality of Nigeria’s security architecture, centres on claims that powerful offices meant to safeguard national security are being deployed to settle political scores.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Gusau and made public on Tuesday, the state government said it was compelled to draw national attention to what it called the disturbing involvement of the Office of the National Security Adviser in actions allegedly targeted at opposition actors in Zamfara. The government further alleged that the actions were instigated by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, a former governor of the state and a prominent political figure.
At the heart of the controversy is the reported abduction of Saleem Abubakar, identified as a Technical Assistant in the Office of the Zamfara State Governor. According to the statement, Abubakar was allegedly taken in Abuja by a special forces unit said to be linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser. The operation, the government claims, was carried out without an arrest warrant and outside the bounds of established legal procedures.
The Zamfara Government described the incident as shocking and deeply troubling, alleging that Abubakar was moved between undisclosed locations in what it characterised as an attempt to evade accountability. It claimed that the manner of the operation suggested coordination at high levels, an allegation that, if substantiated, would raise serious constitutional and legal questions about the conduct of federal security agencies.
Most alarming, according to the statement, is the assertion that the alleged abduction was “syndicated” through the Office of the National Security Adviser at the prompting of the Minister of State for Defence. While no official response had been issued at the time of reporting by either the Office of the NSA or the Defence Ministry, the allegations have already ignited public concern over the politicisation of security institutions.
The Zamfara State Government warned that such actions, if allowed to stand, would set what it described as a dangerous and unacceptable precedent. It argued that no political ambition or personal desperation could justify compromising institutions that are constitutionally mandated to serve all Nigerians impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
Beyond the immediate case, the government framed the issue as a broader threat to Nigeria’s democratic order. It cautioned that the conversion of security offices into instruments of political persecution would erode the rule of law and weaken public confidence in the state. According to the statement, democracy cannot thrive where citizens and public officials fear arbitrary detention or intimidation without due process.
The allegations come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, ranging from insurgency and banditry to communal violence and organised crime. Analysts have long argued that public trust in security institutions is critical to effectively addressing these threats. Against this backdrop, claims of political misuse risk further straining relations between citizens, state governments and federal authorities.
In its appeal, the Zamfara State Government called directly on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively. It urged the President to rein in the Office of the National Security Adviser and ensure that all security agencies operate strictly within the limits of the law. According to the government, failure to act swiftly could damage Nigeria’s democratic credentials and harm its international reputation as a constitutional democracy.
The statement emphasised that if there were legitimate allegations against Saleem Abubakar or any other individual, the proper course of action would be to file charges before a competent court. It stressed that due process, including lawful arrest, access to legal counsel and judicial oversight, is not optional but a fundamental requirement under Nigeria’s Constitution.
Legal experts note that arbitrary arrests or detentions by security agencies, if proven, would contravene constitutional guarantees of personal liberty and fair hearing. Nigeria’s courts have, in recent years, repeatedly ruled against unlawful detentions, reinforcing the principle that even in matters of national security, state power must be exercised within clear legal boundaries.
The Zamfara Government said it was closely monitoring developments surrounding the case and vowed to pursue the matter to what it described as its logical conclusion. It insisted that accountability and justice must prevail, not only for the individuals involved but also to deter future abuses of power.
The statement was signed by Sulaiman Bala Idris, the spokesperson to the Zamfara State Governor, and dated January 7, 2026. Idris said the government would continue to engage all relevant legal and institutional channels to ensure that the matter is addressed transparently and in accordance with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official confirmation from federal authorities regarding the alleged abduction, nor any public clarification on Abubakar’s whereabouts. Requests for comment directed at the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence had not yielded responses.
The unfolding controversy adds another layer to the tense political climate in Zamfara, a state that has in recent years been marked by intense political rivalry alongside persistent security challenges. Observers say how the federal government responds to these allegations will be closely watched, not only within Zamfara but across the country, as a test of its commitment to democratic norms, institutional neutrality and the rule of law.
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