Calls for Defence Minister’s Sack Intensifies Over Worsening Insecurity 

The pressure on Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, to step down has escalated, with a federal lawmaker and a youth groups declaring him unfit to manage the country’s deteriorating security situation.

Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, recently criticized the minister on the floor of the House, citing the alarming rise in terrorist attacks, particularly in Borno State.

Gagdi’s concerns were echoed by the Afenifere Youth Vanguard for Peace in Nigeria (AYPN), which described his statement as “a clear and courageous vote of no confidence” in the minister.

The AYPN accused Badaru of lacking the necessary competence and commitment to secure the country, stating that “there is no excuse for what is happening under his watch.”

The group’s president, Olatunji Fadare, emphasized that the Defence Ministry is not a reward for political loyalty, but rather the backbone of Nigeria’s safety, which has collapsed under Badaru’s leadership.

The AYPN alleged that since his appointment, Badaru has prioritized consolidating his personal business interests over addressing security threats, describing him as “a contractor in a camouflage ministry.”

The group also claimed that defence contracts are being awarded based on political alignment, contributing to equipment shortages and intelligence failures in military operations.

Furthermore, they accused the minister of ethnic bias, alleging that recruitment, procurement, and strategic decisions within the ministry now heavily favour individuals aligned with Badaru’s alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

The AYPN criticized the ministry’s response to reports from governors and lawmakers, citing Gagdi’s claim that warnings from the Borno State governor were dismissed. Fadare stated that “when people on the ground raise alarm and the minister responds with propaganda, it shows the ministry has lost its moral compass.”

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently restructure the country’s defence architecture, beginning with Badaru’s removal.

They emphasized that “this is not about politics; it’s about survival” and that the President must demonstrate that national interest comes before personal loyalty.

The AYPN warned that failure to act decisively could lead to further loss of public confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

The group’s statement concluded that the President must take immediate action to address the security crisis and restore the country’s confidence in its defence leadership.