Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office at a time when the country is experiencing a troubling resurgence of banditry, large-scale abductions, and violent attacks across several northern states.
His resignation was announced late Monday in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity. According to the statement, Badaru submitted a formal resignation letter to the President, who accepted it and acknowledged his contribution to the administration.
Presidency officials indicated that the minister stepped down due to health-related concerns.
Escalating Violence Across the North
Badaru’s exit comes amid mounting security pressures, including the kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State and the abduction of nearly 300 students in Niger State—incidents that have intensified criticism of the government’s handling of insecurity.
Communities in Sokoto, Kogi, and Kwara states have also reported fresh bandit attacks, adding to public anxiety over the rising wave of violence.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Badaru insisted that security forces were working tirelessly to confront the renewed surge in kidnappings and armed attacks.
Recent Incidents Heighten Tension
Within the past week:
- At least 10 people, including a bride and members of her entourage, were abducted in Sokoto State.
- A pastor and his wife were kidnapped in Kogi State.
- Three personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service were shot and killed at a checkpoint in Katsina State.
The worsening security situation has also stirred diplomatic concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria. Washington warned that it might take direct action if the Nigerian government failed to respond adequately.
In response, Nigeria sent a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the United States, emphasizing that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds.
Badaru’s Background
Badaru, a former two-term governor of Jigawa State, was appointed Minister of Defence in August 2023. He studied accounting at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and trained at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Before venturing into politics, he built a strong reputation in the business sector and once headed several national business associations.
His sudden resignation comes at a critical moment for Nigeria’s security framework, which continues to struggle against long-standing threats from Boko Haram in the Northeast and heavily armed bandit groups in the Northwest.
