Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has stepped down from his position at a time the country is battling rising banditry, mass abductions, and recurring violent attacks across multiple northern states.
According to presidency insiders, his resignation is linked to health-related concerns.
Growing Insecurity in the North
Badaru’s departure comes as the nation faces renewed security setbacks, including the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of nearly 300 students in Niger State — incidents that have intensified pressure on the Tinubu administration.
Fresh attacks have also been recorded in Sokoto, Kogi, and Kwara States, heightening public anxiety about the government’s capacity to contain the growing violence.
Speaking recently to the BBC, Badaru insisted that security agencies were working “day and night” to tackle the resurgence of school kidnappings and other criminal operations.
Wave of Attacks Fuels Public Fear
Over the past week, several incidents have stirred further concern:
In Sokoto State, gunmen abducted at least 10 people, including a bride and members of her wedding entourage.
In Kogi State, a pastor and his wife were kidnapped during an attack.
In Katsina State, three personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service were killed at a checkpoint.
These attacks come amid diplomatic tension sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria. The United States warned it could take direct action if Abuja failed to address the situation effectively.
To counter the allegations, the Federal Government sent a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to Washington, emphasizing that insecurity in Nigeria affects citizens of all religions.
Badaru’s Background
Badaru, who previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State, was appointed Minister of Defence in August 2023. He studied accounting at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
Before venturing into politics, he excelled in business leadership and headed several national business associations.
His sudden resignation marks a major shift within Nigeria’s defence leadership, which continues to confront persistent threats from Boko Haram in the Northeast and heavily armed bandit groups across the Northwest.
