Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, stepped down on Monday evening, citing health challenges. His resignation has sparked national debate and reshaped the political atmosphere amid the country’s escalating security crisis.
While the presidency maintains that the resignation was for medical reasons, the timing, just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, has fueled speculation that the move may be more strategic than voluntary.
His Appointment
Badaru was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, as part of President Tinubu’s inaugural cabinet.
A former governor of Jigawa State, an accountant, and business magnate with deep ties in northern political circles, Badaru was viewed as a stabilizing figure. During his governorship (2015–2023), he oversaw agricultural expansion and infrastructure development. His experience managing volatile northwestern states made him an appealing choice for a cabinet seeking regional balance and political cohesion.
Tinubu praised his “economic insight and administrative discipline,” emphasizing that his governance skills could strengthen defence procurement, technological upgrades, and regional security cooperation.
Under his tenure, Badaru pushed for military modernization and cross-border intelligence coordination with Niger and Chad. However, as insecurity intensified, scrutiny of his leadership grew.
The Security Crisis
Badaru’s time in office coincided with one of Nigeria’s most violent periods in recent history. Armed groups escalated attacks across the northwest and north-central regions, and mass abductions became increasingly common.
Recent incidents alone include:
- Over 300 staff and students were kidnapped from St. Mary’s School in Niger State on November 21
- 24 students abducted in Kebbi State
- 38 worshippers abducted from a CAC church in Ekiti
- A bride and her convoy taken in Sokoto
- A pastor and his wife were kidnapped in Kogi
- Three immigration officers were murdered at a checkpoint in Katsina
These events revived painful memories of the 2014 Chibok abductions and raised renewed questions about the government’s control over security.
Critics argued that Badaru lacked the tactical background necessary for the Defence Ministry. A recent BBC interview, in which he claimed some bandits were hiding “too deep in the forest” for airstrikes to reach, sparked backlash and reinforced perceptions of an overwhelmed ministry.
Pressure intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” in October, alleging targeted killings of Christians. Abuja rejected the claims, but the designation drew international attention and domestic criticism.
President Tinubu’s subsequent nationwide emergency declaration, including the recruitment of 20,000 police officers and the deployment of forest guards, further spotlighted Badaru’s performance and the ministry’s shortcomings.
Why He Resigned
The official reason is health-related: Badaru cited medical concerns in a December 1 letter to President Tinubu. The presidency accepted the resignation, with spokesman Bayo Onanuga emphasizing respect for Badaru’s service.
Yet the sequence of events hints at political undertones. Just hours before the announcement, Tinubu held a private meeting with retired Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, prompting speculation that a replacement was already in the works. Musa’s retirement in October and his extensive counter-insurgency experience make him a strong candidate.
In Nigerian politics, citing “health reasons” is often a dignified way to exit under political pressure. Many analysts believe that mounting attacks, public outrage, and diplomatic tensions made Badaru’s departure almost inevitable.
Social Media Reactions
Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted after the announcement, with #BadaruResigns trending:
- @EkineDaniel hinted at darker motives:
“That man should be investigated; he could be a channel for terrorist sponsors.” - @shehu_mahdi dismissed the health explanation:
“Badaru is hale and hearty… sickness is an afterthought. His clash with Matawalle frustrated him out.” - @Minikothe3rd applauded the resignation:
“This is the only dignified thing to do. Matawalle should follow suit.” - @EjioforBar called it overdue:
“Good riddance to lethargy and ineffectual leadership. Security chiefs should follow.”
The general sentiment skewed toward relief, with suspicion about the official narrative. Users demanded thorough inquiries into leadership failures and broader systemic security issues.
What’s Next
The presidency is expected to forward Badaru’s successor to the Senate soon. Gen. Christopher Musa is currently the frontrunner, given his recent meeting with Tinubu and strong counter-insurgency credentials.
In the interim, the junior defence minister is handling the portfolio while emergency measures are implemented nationwide.
Analysts warn that leadership changes alone will not resolve Nigeria’s security crisis. Addressing root causes—such as arms proliferation, poverty, illicit mining networks, and intelligence gaps—is essential.
Still, Badaru’s resignation signals a turning point: a tacit acknowledgment that previous strategies have failed and that a new, potentially military-driven approach is underway. Nigeria now watches closely for the appointment that could define the next chapter in the nation’s fight against insecurity.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
