Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru Steps Down as Insecurity Worsens Nationwide

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office at a time the country is facing a surge in banditry, mass kidnappings and violent attacks across several northern states.

The resignation was confirmed late Monday through a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu. According to the announcement, Badaru submitted a formal resignation letter to the President, who accepted it and expressed appreciation for his service.

Presidency officials have attributed Badaru’s departure to health-related issues.

Escalating Security Crisis in the North

Badaru’s exit comes amid worsening insecurity, highlighted by the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State and the abduction of nearly 300 students in Niger State — incidents that have intensified public criticism of the government’s handling of security.

Bandit attacks have also been reported in Sokoto, Kogi and Kwara states, adding to concerns over the government’s capacity to stem the rising violence.

In a recent BBC interview, Badaru insisted that security forces were working “day and night” to tackle the resurgence of school abductions and other criminal activity.

Wave of Attacks Stokes Public Fear

Within the past week:

• Gunmen reportedly abducted at least 10 people, including a bride and her entourage, in Sokoto State.
• A pastor and his wife were kidnapped during an attack in Kogi State.
• Three officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service were killed at a checkpoint in Katsina State.

The spike in violence comes amid diplomatic friction triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria. Washington has warned it could intervene directly if Abuja fails to respond effectively.

To address the allegation, Nigeria sent a high-level delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to the United States, emphasizing that insecurity affects Nigerians of all religious backgrounds.

Who Is Badaru?

Badaru, a two-term former governor of Jigawa State, was appointed Minister of Defence in August 2023. He holds a degree in accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Before entering politics, he established a successful business career and previously headed major national business associations.

His sudden departure represents a significant shift within Nigeria’s security leadership as the country continues to confront persistent threats from Boko Haram in the Northeast and heavily armed bandit groups operating across the Northwest.

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