Kimberly Daniels alleges attempt to influence US official as global scrutiny mounts over Nigeria’s handling of insecurity and alleged targeted attacks in key states.

A fresh controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s security leadership following explosive allegations by US lawmaker Kimberly Daniels, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of attempting to bribe an American official to alter the narrative of a report on killings of Christians in Nigeria.

In a widely circulated video, Daniels claimed that the alleged offer was aimed at influencing the interpretation of findings linked to a report by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), which examined patterns of violence across parts of the country.

According to her, the situation in Nigeria—particularly in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and Nasarawa states—reflects more than isolated incidents. She described the violence as coordinated and targeted, insisting that the international community must not ignore what she framed as a worsening humanitarian and security crisis.

“We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated,” Daniels said, calling for transparency and accountability at the highest levels of government. She stressed that global attention is needed to address the killings, destruction of communities, and ongoing insecurity affecting civilians.

The UN-WCD-linked assessment referenced in her remarks criticised Nigeria’s response to insecurity, raising concerns over the effectiveness of current strategies and leadership within the Defence Ministry. It further urged President Bola Tinubu to review the country’s security architecture, including the possible redeployment or removal of key officials.

As the allegations gain traction online, they are likely to intensify both domestic and international scrutiny of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts and the government’s broader handling of security challenges.