In a significant development for Nigeria’s security apparatus, Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has abruptly resigned from his cabinet position citing health concerns. The 63-year-old’s departure comes at a critical juncture as the nation grapples with worsening security challenges, particularly a surge in mass abductions targeting civilians.
The timing of Abubakar’s exit coincides with alarming reports from the UN Human Rights Office indicating at least 402 kidnappings since mid-November, predominantly affecting schoolchildren. Recent incidents include the abduction of 20 individuals during separate raids in northern Nigeria, capturing a Christian pastor alongside a Muslim bride and her bridal party. Approximately 250 students and 12 educators from a Catholic school in Niger state remain missing following what represents one of the largest kidnapping events in recent weeks.
While analysts predominantly attribute these crimes to criminal syndicates seeking ransom payments, presidential representatives have suggested jihadist involvement. The minister, who previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023, played a pivotal role in President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory by delivering his home state.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation with acknowledgments for Abubakar’s national service. Concurrently, the administration has declared a national security emergency, unveiling plans to expand police capabilities by recruiting 20,000 additional officers to reach a force strength of approximately 50,000.
Nigeria currently confronts multiple security threats including criminal kidnappings, Islamist insurgencies in northern territories, separatist violence in southeastern regions, and resource conflicts between herders and farmers in central areas. Presidential spokespersons indicate Tinubu will present Abubakar’s successor to the Senate for confirmation within days.