Nigeria's Defence Minister Steps Down Amid Kidnapping Crisis

Nigeria's Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stepped down from his role immediately due to health concerns, according to a statement from the presidential office. The 63-year-olds resignation comes amid escalating security crises across the country, with authorities under intense pressure to respond to a surge in mass kidnappings.

Recent reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights indicate that at least 402 individuals, mostly schoolchildren, have been abducted since mid-November. In a recent incident, armed attackers seized at least 20 people in northern Nigeria, including a Christian pastor, a Muslim bride, and her bridesmaids. Meanwhile, about 250 students and 12 teachers from a Catholic school in central Niger state remain missing following one of the largest kidnappings in recent weeks.

The perpetrators behind these abductions remain uncertain. Analysts generally attribute them to criminal gangs seeking ransom, though a presidential spokesperson suggested that jihadist groups may be involved.

Abubakar, who became Defence Minister in August 2023, submitted his resignation through a letter to President Bola Tinubu. The president accepted it and expressed gratitude for Abubakars service to the nation. Details regarding the ministers health issues were not disclosed.

President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency and outlined plans to expand the police force by 20,000 officers, aiming for a total of around 50,000 personnel. Nigeria faces multiple security threats, including kidnappings for ransom, Islamist insurgency in the north, separatist violence in the south-east, and conflicts between herders and farmers in the central regions over land and water resources.

Prior to his defence role, Abubakar served two terms as governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was a key supporter in Tinubus 2023 presidential campaign, particularly helping secure votes in his home state, and was subsequently appointed to the defence portfolio. The president is expected to announce Abubakars replacement to the Senate later this week.

Author: Sophia Brooks