Fresh details have emerged revealing that former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, did not resign solely because of health challenges as officially announced. Instead, insiders say a long-running internal feud with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, ultimately pushed him out of office.
Badaru stepped down on December 1 after two turbulent years in the ministry. His resignation paved the way for President Bola Tinubu to appoint former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), as the new Minister of Defence.
Although the Presidency publicly attributed Badaru’s exit to “poor health,” officials familiar with the situation disclosed that the minister’s relationship with Matawalle had deteriorated for months, creating deep fractures within the ministry’s operations.
A MINISTRY DIVIDED
According to senior ministry officials, Badaru and Matawalle maintained formal decorum in public, but behind closed doors their relationship was marked by rivalry and distrust.
One official described their interactions as “frosty” and said the hostility affected coordination, communication, and policy execution.
“Even the media operations were disjointed. Their pairing was a mistake from the beginning,” the official noted.
Sources added that Matawalle enjoyed stronger political backing from the Presidency and influential figures in the ruling party. With the North-West being a crucial battleground for the 2027 elections, Matawalle — a former Zamfara governor — was seen as a more valuable political asset than Badaru, whose influence was considered limited.
GROWING PRESSURE FROM SECURITY FAILURES
The resurgence of banditry, mass abductions, and widespread insecurity placed enormous pressure on the defence leadership. Calls mounted for Badaru’s removal, especially after the kidnapping of schoolchildren across several states and the declaration of a national security emergency.
The international spotlight intensified after the Trump administration re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious persecution, further heightening scrutiny of the defence sector.
As criticism grew, Badaru tendered his resignation.
MATAWALLE UNDER FIRE
Following Badaru’s departure, activists, political commentators, and civil society groups renewed calls for Matawalle to also step down.
He has long faced accusations — which he denies — of maintaining links with bandit groups, especially in Zamfara. At various times, petitions and political opponents have demanded investigations or his removal from office.
Despite the controversies, insiders say Matawalle is likely to retain his position due to his political importance and recent involvement in joint rescue missions, including the operation that freed abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
He was, however, conspicuously absent when the new minister, Gen. Musa, assumed office on Friday.
GEN. MUSA SETS A NEW TONE
Upon taking charge, Gen. Musa announced an immediate review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations to address longstanding gaps in coordination between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies.
He declared welfare a strategic priority, stressing that frontline personnel must receive timely allowances, proper kits, quality medical care, and support for their families.
“Morale is a force multiplier. Anyone willing to die for Nigeria deserves respect and proper care,” he said.
Musa also pledged strict professionalism, zero tolerance for corruption, and a renewed emphasis on intelligence, technology, and data-driven planning.
“Nigeria can no longer afford fragmented security efforts. We must work as one,” he stated.
He emphasized that the ministry would be anchored on three pillars: operational effectiveness, unified action, and strategic foresight.
A NATION DEMANDING RESULTS
The new minister underscored that Nigerians are desperate for peace, security, and stability.
“Our children must return to school. Farmers must return to their farms. The shedding of innocent blood must end,” he said, promising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in restoring national security.
As Gen. Musa assumes control, the exit of Badaru underscores deeper political and administrative struggles within Nigeria’s defence establishment — challenges the new minister must now navigate while delivering on citizens’ expectations for safety and stability.