Fresh details have surfaced on the circumstances surrounding the abrupt resignation of former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down earlier this week after two years in office.
Although the Presidency announced that the former Jigawa State governor resigned due to “poor health,” findings have revealed that a deep-seated rift between Badaru and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, was the true catalyst for his exit.
Badaru, appointed on August 21, 2023, was brought in for his administrative experience and influence in the North-West—an area plagued by worsening banditry. He prioritised counterterrorism, intelligence reforms and military modernisation while working alongside Matawalle, who was appointed the same day to support defence policy execution.
However, tensions between the two escalated quietly behind the scenes.
According to ministry insiders, the ministers maintained a calm front publicly but had a strained working relationship that reportedly hampered internal coordination, including the ministry’s media operations. Officials familiar with the matter said the pairing “should never have happened” due to ideological and political differences.
Sources also disclosed that Matawalle was increasingly dominant within the ministry, backed by strong political ties to the Presidency and key APC powerbrokers who see him as an electoral asset in the North-West ahead of 2027. In contrast, Badaru was said to wield less influence within the current power structure, leaving him vulnerable amid rising security failures.
Public pressure intensified last month as banditry and school kidnappings surged across the northern region, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a nationwide security emergency. With criticism mounting and global attention fixed on Nigeria’s security struggles, Badaru tendered his resignation on December 1.
Despite calls for Matawalle’s removal—including repeated petitions from activists and political groups—sources say he is likely to retain his position due to his political value and recent operational assignments.
Interestingly, Matawalle was absent on Friday when the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), officially took charge in Abuja.
Musa’s First Moves
During his maiden briefing, Gen. Musa announced plans to immediately review all theatre commands and operational frameworks to improve joint action among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies. He emphasised that welfare would be treated as a strategic priority, insisting that morale is central to operational success.
He pledged strict professionalism, zero tolerance for corruption and a renewed commitment to technology-driven military operations.
“Our people are yearning for peace. Children must return to school. Farmers must return to their farms,” he said. “We will pursue a comprehensive approach—and we must deliver.”
The retired defence chief assured Nigerians that his leadership would focus on operational effectiveness, unity of action and strategic foresight as the country battles complex security threats.
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