A coalition of Nigerians based in the United States has criticised remarks by Kimberly Daniels calling for the removal of Bello Matawalle, describing the position as lacking sufficient context.

The group, operating under the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability, said the comments reflect a broader pattern of external interventions in Nigeria’s domestic security discourse.

In a statement signed by its convener, Maxwell Akarachi, the coalition said Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and cannot be attributed to the actions of a single official. It argued that such claims risk oversimplifying issues that have developed over time.

The response follows Daniels’ reaction to a security report on violence in parts of northern Nigeria, where she called for changes in the country’s defence leadership.

According to the coalition, public statements from foreign officials should take into account the wider context of Nigeria’s security environment, including the role of multiple agencies and long-standing structural factors.

The group said Matawalle operates within a broader framework under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which involves coordination between military and intelligence institutions.

While acknowledging ongoing security concerns in parts of the country, the coalition said there have been efforts to improve operations and restore access to affected communities.

It also raised concerns about the potential impact of external commentary on public perception, warning that unverified claims could influence narratives around Nigeria’s security institutions.

The coalition urged that issues relating to accountability be addressed through established legal and institutional processes within Nigeria, rather than through public calls from outside the country.

It added that international engagement remains important but should be based on accurate information and cooperation.

Debates around Nigeria’s security situation often involve differing perspectives, particularly when viewed from outside the country. The coalition said maintaining a balanced approach is essential in addressing such concerns.

The group called for continued collaboration between Nigeria and its international partners, while emphasising the need for careful assessment of complex security issues.