ABUJA: Fresh details have emerged on the circumstances surrounding the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, barely two years after assuming office.
Badaru announced his resignation on Monday, officially citing health concerns. President Bola Tinubu subsequently appointed and swore in a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as the new Minister of Defence.
Confirming Badaru’s exit, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the former minister stepped down due to what he described as “poor health.
However, investigations revealed that Badaru’s resignation was largely triggered by a prolonged and bitter internal rift with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, a conflict that had been quietly simmering within the ministry for months.
Cold War at the Defence Ministry
Badaru was appointed on August 21, 2023, following the completion of his two terms as Jigawa State governor.
His selection was reportedly influenced by his administrative experience and perceived influence in the North-West, a region severely affected by banditry and insurgency.
After his swearing-in, Badaru was said to have focused on military modernisation, intelligence reforms and counterterrorism operations.
Matawalle was also appointed the same day to serve as Minister of State for Defence.
Despite maintaining a cordial public relationship, multiple sources within the Ministry of Defence described their working relationship as strained and hostile behind the scenes.
According to senior military officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the rivalry disrupted internal coordination within the ministry, including media engagement and policy execution.
“Their relationship was frosty for most of Badaru’s tenure, one official said. They presented a united front publicly, but internally, the tension was obvious and damaging.”
Another source noted that Matawalle’s close ties to the presidency and perceived political relevance within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) gave him considerable influence inside the ministry.
Political Weight Tilted the Balance
Sources further disclosed that Matawalle is regarded as a strategic political asset by APC leaders, particularly in Zamfara State and the wider North-West, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Matawalle enjoys strong political backing. Badaru, on the other hand, was seen as politically weak, and in power politics, that mattered,” a source explained.
The internal crisis coincided with worsening insecurity nationwide, including mass abductions of schoolchildren and renewed bandit attacks across northern states. The situation prompted President Tinubu to declare a security emergency.
Global attention also intensified after the United States, under the Trump administration, redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged mass killings of Christians.
Amid growing criticism and pressure from security analysts, Badaru tendered his resignation on December 1, 2025.
Calls for Matawalle’s Removal Intensify
Following Badaru’s exit, civil society groups, activists and commentators renewed calls for Matawalle’s resignation, accusing him of poor performance and alleged complicity in Nigeria’s security failures.
In the past, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal had publicly urged Matawalle to resign over alleged links to bandit groups claims Matawalle has repeatedly denied.
Several petitions, including those from APC-linked groups and governance watchdogs, have also demanded investigations into his role in the security crisis.
Despite the pressure, insiders say Matawalle is likely to retain his position amid broader security sector reshuffles.
Presidency sources said his appointment was part of a coordinated strategy against banditry, citing his recent involvement in efforts that led to the rescue of 24 abducted students in Kebbi State.
Musa Assumes Office, Orders Strategic Review
Interestingly, Matawalle was absent when General Musa officially assumed duties at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Friday. No official explanation was given.
During his maiden address, Musa announced plans for a comprehensive review of all theatre commands and inter-agency operational structures nationwide.
He stressed that welfare of military personnel would be treated as a strategic priority, pledging timely payment of allowances, improved accommodation, proper medical care and sustained support for families of fallen soldiers.
“Welfare is not administrative; it is strategic. Morale is a force multiplier,” Musa said, promising zero tolerance for corruption, inefficiency and indiscipline.
He also pledged enhanced use of intelligence, technology and joint operations, stressing that Nigeria could no longer afford fragmented security efforts.
“Our people are yearning for peace. Children must return to school, farmers to their farms, and the shedding of innocent blood must end, Musa stated.
