Nigeria’s security landscape shook this week after the sudden resignation of the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar — a move officially blamed on health concerns but quietly rooted in a deeper power struggle inside the nation’s defence architecture. What looked like a routine exit quickly unfolded into a high-stakes political chess game.
Badaru, appointed in August 2023 after completing two terms as governor of Jigawa State, came into office with a mandate to modernise the military, tighten intelligence systems, and drive counter-terrorism operations. His tenure started with energy, and on paper, he had the credentials and northern influence needed to steady a region battling rising banditry.
But behind the polished public handshake moments, insiders reveal a long-running cold war between Badaru and his junior counterpart, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle. While the Presidency publicly framed Badaru’s exit as “poor health,” senior ministry officials described a different reality — a frosty relationship that quietly paralysed parts of the ministry and worsened as insecurity escalated nationwide.
According to sources inside the ministry, both men acted cordial in public but clashed behind closed doors, affecting coordination, communication, and even media management. The tension grew as bandit attacks surged and schools across northern states came under renewed assault from kidnappers — a crisis that moved President Tinubu to declare a national security emergency.
As public pressure mounted and analysts openly questioned his effectiveness, Badaru’s political weight became a factor. Insiders say Matawalle, with deep roots in Zamfara and strong ties within the Presidency, enjoyed more influence. Party leaders reportedly viewed him as a valuable political asset ahead of the 2027 elections, while Badaru struggled to maintain relevance in the inner power circle.
The breaking point came after Nigeria was re-designated by the Trump administration as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged mass killings of Christians — a diplomatic blow that intensified scrutiny on the defence ministry. By December 1, Badaru bowed out.
But Nigerians didn’t stay silent. Since his resignation, activists and political voices have amplified calls for Matawalle’s removal, linking him to persistent insecurity and resurfacing old allegations of collusion with bandit groups — allegations he’s repeatedly denied. From Zamfara’s governor to civil society groups, critics argue that the minister has not delivered on his mandate and should step aside.
Yet, Presidency sources insist Matawalle remains a strategic figure in the administration’s anti-banditry campaign. His recent assignment to oversee rescue efforts in Kebbi — where 24 abducted schoolgirls were freed — is cited as proof of his relevance.
Meanwhile, the new Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has hit the ground running. At his maiden briefing on Friday, Musa announced an immediate top-to-bottom review of theatre commands, joint operations, and inter-service coordination. He made it clear that under his watch, defence will operate with three pillars: operational effectiveness, unified action, and strategic foresight.
Musa didn’t mince words on welfare either. He declared that morale is a “force multiplier” and vowed to prioritise allowances, equipment, accommodation, medical care, and support for families of fallen soldiers. He warned that corruption, indiscipline and inefficiency would have no place in his tenure, promising a leadership style rooted in professionalism, integrity, and results.
He emphasized deeper use of technology, intelligence, and data-driven planning, while strengthening partnerships both at home and abroad. In his words: “I am not here to preside. I am here to lead, to work, and to deliver.”
With insecurity still gripping many communities and families waiting for relief, Musa’s arrival marks a new chapter — one filled with high expectations and urgent demands for action. Whether this leadership transition becomes a turning point or just another reshuffle will depend on how quickly Nigeria begins to feel the difference on the ground.