Calls grow for defence minister’s resignation after deadly Borno attacks

Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru
The Northern Patriots for Security and Development (NPSD) has called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, following a wave of coordinated terrorist attacks on military bases in Borno State.

Over the course of just 24 hours, insurgents from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched devastating assaults on military installations in Marte, Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram.

The attacks resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and the destruction of valuable military assets, raising fresh concerns about Nigeria’s security preparedness.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday in Kano, NPSD President Mansur Ibrahim Dantani condemned the Defence Minister’s leadership, accusing him of failing to uphold his responsibilities.

Dantani alleged that Badaru has shifted focus from his national duty to pursuing political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The recent attacks highlight a catastrophic failure of leadership at the highest levels of our defence system,” Dantani stated.

“It is troubling that while our troops are sacrificing their lives, the Minister of Defence appears more preoccupied with political calculations than with securing the nation.”

The group also criticized the Defence Ministry’s management of resources, alleging delays in the disbursement and improper use of funds allocated for military operations.

According to the NPSD, these financial inefficiencies have left frontline soldiers under-resourced and exposed to insurgent threats.

“This level of administrative negligence has directly contributed to our military’s vulnerability in the North-East,” Dantani added, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly by relieving Badaru of his duties and appointing a more capable replacement.

Public concern continues to rise amid the growing resurgence of terrorism in the region. Many Nigerians are demanding not just improved security measures on the ground but also greater accountability from those in positions of authority.

Further amplifying the pressure, the Civil Rights and Anti-Corruption Network (CRACON) recently urged President Tinubu to initiate a formal investigation into allegations of misconduct against the Defence Minister.

The group accused Badaru of abusing his position and engaging in business activities that may conflict with his official responsibilities, potentially violating federal regulations.

As calls for reform and accountability intensify, the presidency is expected to respond to mounting criticism over the country’s faltering security framework.