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Nigeria defence minister resigns amid nationwide security emergency after wave of mass kidnappings

08:30 AM, 12/02/2025
Nigeria defence minister resigns amid nationwide security emergency after wave of mass kidnappings

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria's defence minister, resigned immediately on health grounds amid a nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The country has seen a surge of mass kidnappings, including a November 21 raid at St. Mary's school in which over 300 staff and teachers were seized and 50 escaped. The United States has labeled Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, drawing international attention, while the government has ordered major recruitment to strengthen police and military forces.

Nigeria's defence minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned with immediate effect, the presidency announced on Monday. The 63-year-old's departure was attributed to health reasons by the president's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, and comes as the country grapples with an escalating security crisis that has included mass abductions of schoolchildren and attacks on civilians.

Resignation and government response

President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency last week and has ordered a large-scale recruitment drive to bolster police and military ranks. Onanuga said the administration will provide further details about the emergency measures in due course.

Recent kidnappings and impact

On November 21, armed gangs attacked St. Mary's co-education school in north-central Nigeria, seizing more than 300 staff and teachers. Fifty people escaped, while the remainder are reported still in captivity. During a visit to Kontagora in central Niger state, national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu was quoted as saying, "The children are fine and will be back soon."

Context and international attention

Mass kidnappings are not new to Nigeria. Since the Boko Haram abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls from Chibok more than a decade ago, authorities have struggled to prevent large-scale abductions. Criminal gangs seeking ransom and Islamist insurgents operating in parts of the country have both been implicated in recent raids. The United States has designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations, a move that has increased international scrutiny of the government's handling of insecurity.

Outlook

The minister's resignation adds political pressure to an already urgent security situation. The administration faces calls to quickly translate the declared emergency into effective operations that free hostages, protect schools and communities, and restore public confidence.

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