In a response issued to The Spectacles by Hassan Idris Gusau, former DG of ZAGIS, these allegations were dismissed as false, irresponsible, and an attempt to politicize a lawful security operation. The statement clarified that Saleem Abubakar was never abducted, as claimed. Any interaction he may have had with security agencies, if it occurred at all, was conducted legally and in accordance with standard national security protocols. Describing such lawful procedures as "abduction" is not only misleading but also harmful to public trust and national unity.
It is absurd to suggest that the Honourable Minister of State for Defence would waste his time, energy, or government resources pursuing an individual with whom he has no personal, political, or professional connection. Matawalle’s duties at the national level are extensive and vital to Nigeria’s security framework. He remains fully committed to these responsibilities and would not engage in such trivial distractions.
The statement emphasized that Bello Matawalle has no involvement in or knowledge of Saleem Abubakar’s whereabouts. Any effort to associate him with this matter is a deliberate act of mischief. If the Zamfara State Government truly seeks facts rather than spreading propaganda, the proper course of action would be to formally request clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser instead of issuing sensational and emotionally charged press releases.
It is regrettable that the Zamfara State Government persists in its attempts to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. These efforts have repeatedly failed due to their lack of evidence and credibility. Involving respected national institutions in partisan politics only reveals the desperation behind these baseless accusations.
The statement called for adherence to the rule of law and due process, stressing that Nigeria is governed by legal principles that apply to all citizens. If security agencies engage with any individual, the appropriate response is to respect legal procedures rather than incite public unrest or discredit national security institutions.
Finally, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Governor was sternly advised to retract these unfounded claims and exercise caution in public statements. Reckless remarks on sensitive security issues are counterproductive and risk destabilizing the political climate unnecessarily.
For the progress of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole, all parties must uphold the law, act responsibly, and prioritize truth over propaganda. Facts will always overcome falsehood, and justice will ultimately prevail.
