Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has issued a direct and urgent demand to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Bello Mohammed Matawalle, calling on them to immediately withdraw from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's presidential campaign council and devote their full attention to the escalating security crisis gripping the nation. In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Monday, August 24, 2026, the rights group said the participation of the two ministers in political campaign activities amid increasing attacks, killings and mass abductions across the country was inappropriate and could send the wrong signal about the government's priorities.
HURIWA's call came against the backdrop of a series of devastating security incidents, including the reported abduction of hundreds of worshippers during Friday prayers in Dekara village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, on August 21, 2026. A viral video circulating on social media allegedly showed women, children and elderly persons being held captive by armed men in a forested location, with residents estimating that about 600 people were taken. While HURIWA noted that the reported number of victims and the authenticity of the video required official verification, the group said the reports were "grave enough to demand an urgent and coordinated response from the Federal Government".
"The primary responsibility of the Defence Ministry at this critical period is to strengthen the capacity of the military and other security agencies to protect Nigerians and defeat terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime," HURIWA stated. The group said the continued participation of the defence ministers in political campaign activities, amid increasing attacks, killings and abductions across the country, was inappropriate and could send the wrong signal about the government's priorities. The rights group urged President Tinubu to demonstrate that the protection of Nigerian lives remained a priority by directing officials responsible for national security to concentrate on their constitutional duties.
HURIWA also condemned the reported abduction of worshippers in Niger State, describing it as "unacceptable and a serious violation of their fundamental rights". The group urged the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to intensify efforts to establish the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers and secure their safe release. It also called for urgent rescue operations for Nigerians held captive by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers in Borno, Niger, Kogi and other affected states. "The fight against terrorism and kidnapping must not be politicised," HURIWA declared.
The rights group further called for stronger protection of vulnerable communities in Benue, Plateau and other states experiencing recurring attacks, and condemned attacks on civilians irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or background, stressing that perpetrators of violence must be identified and prosecuted. "The association rejects the killing of Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths and communities and urges security agencies to investigate every attack thoroughly and bring perpetrators to justice," the statement added.
HURIWA also criticised what it described as inadequate information to families of abducted persons, urging the government to provide timely and accurate updates rather than allowing communities to rely on unverified reports and social media videos. The group demanded improved intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among security agencies, alongside enhanced protection for schools, places of worship and other vulnerable locations. "The lives of Nigerians must come before electoral calculations or political interests," the organisation said, urging the Federal Government to act decisively to rescue citizens in captivity, protect vulnerable communities and restore public confidence in Nigeria's security institutions.
The appointment of the two defence ministers to the APC Presidential Campaign Council was announced on Saturday, August 22, 2026, alongside a 223-member team that included other serving and former public officials. General Musa was named Secretary I of the campaign council's security and intelligence directorate, while Matawalle also secured a position. The ministers have welcomed their appointments, with General Musa pledging loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC leadership, and vowing that the war against insurgents would not pause for partisan politics. However, HURIWA's demand has intensified scrutiny of the decision to place serving defence officials in prominent campaign roles at a time when the country is grappling with some of its worst security challenges in recent years.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the families of the abducted worshippers in Niger State and countless other victims of insecurity across Nigeria await action, hoping that the government will prioritise their safety over political calculations. HURIWA's message is clear: the defence ministers must choose between their constitutional duties and partisan politics, and the lives of Nigerians must not be sacrificed on the altar of electoral ambition.
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