Fresh details have emerged suggesting that former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, was pressured to resign not only over health concerns but also because of a long running rift with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and mounting criticism of his handling of insecurity.
Badaru, who was appointed defence minister in August 2023 after serving two terms as Jigawa State governor, formally resigned on Monday after about two years in office, with the Presidency announcing that he stepped down due to “poor health”, while President Bola Tinubu immediately swore in former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as his replacement.
However, multiple senior defence ministry and military sources told Saturday Punch that a “frosty relationship” between Badaru and Matawalle had quietly destabilised parts of the ministry’s work for months, even though both men maintained a cordial public front.
One official said the tension between the two ministers affected coordination, including media and communication efforts, and argued that pairing them in the same ministry “ought not to have happened in the first place”, given their personal and political differences.
The report indicates that Matawalle, a former Zamfara State governor, was seen within the ruling APC and the Presidency as a more valuable political asset for the North West ahead of the 2027 elections, with stronger backing and influence than Badaru, who was described by insiders as relatively weak in current power calculations.
Badaru’s position also came under intense pressure in recent weeks as banditry and terror attacks resurged across the North, triggering a nationwide security emergency, mass abductions of schoolchildren and renewed local and international criticism of Nigeria’s security strategy, including a US decision to re list the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged attacks on Christians.
Amid rising public outrage and calls from analysts for a shake up in the defence leadership, Badaru tendered his resignation on December 1, paving the way for Musa’s appointment and a wider reset in the security team.
The report notes that Matawalle has also faced sustained calls for removal over the security crisis, including past petitions and accusations of alleged links to bandit groups, which he has repeatedly denied, but officials say he still enjoys strong political backing and may retain his post as Minister of State for Defence.
Matawalle’s defenders point to his roles in recent operations, such as his assignment to Kebbi State after the abduction of 24 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where a joint mission secured their release.
Meanwhile, new Defence Minister Gen Musa has promised sweeping reforms, including a full review of theatre commands and joint operations, prioritising troops’ welfare, deeper use of intelligence and technology, and a “zero tolerance” stance on corruption, indiscipline and inefficiency as he seeks to restore public confidence and deliver tangible security results.
About the author
Actor Vitalis Ndubuisi warns against oversharing personal struggles
Veteran Nollywood actor Vitalis Ndubuisi has urged people to be more careful about how much they share about their personal struggles.He advised that not everyone needs to know the details of one’s pain, failures or regrets. In a reflective message that has been widely shared online, Ndubuisi said one of the biggest lessons he has learned in life is to stop telling people everything.According to him, some people may appear to listen, but they do not always care, understand or wish others well. The actor explained that constantly talking about one’s problems can sometimes make things worse.He warned that personal stories can be twisted, mocked or used against a person, especially in moments of conflict or envy. Ndubuisi encouraged people to build a small circle of truly trusted friends, mentors or professionals instead of running to the public with every […]
Roby Ekpo apologises for emotional interview about failed marriage to Mayowa Lambe
Media personality Roby Ekpo has apologised to those who felt uncomfortable watching his emotional interview about his failed marriage to his ex wife, Mayowa Lambe.The on air personality recently went viral after he broke down in tears while speaking about the collapse of their relationship on The Honest Bunch podcast. In a statement shared on his social media pages, Roby said he feels lighter and freer after finally opening up about his experiences.He thanked fans, friends and colleagues for their messages, calls and support, describing their encouragement as a source of strength during a difficult period. Roby, however, acknowledged that his tears and emotional outburst may have offended or unsettled some viewers.He apologised to anyone who felt that way, saying that pain leaves the body in many forms and that crying was his own way of releasing hurt. The broadcaster […]
I’d rather be single than settle for bare minimum, says Diiadem
Nigerian businesswoman and beauty entrepreneur Adeola Diiadem Adeyemi says she would rather remain single than settle for men who are intimidated by her success or offer the bare minimum in relationships.She made the comments while speaking about her love life and relationship standards during a recent house tour session. Diiadem explained that many men seem afraid of financially independent and accomplished women.According to her, some men approach such women with insecurity or entitlement, instead of seeing them as partners they can build with. She noted that she is single not because she lacks options, but because she refuses to lower her standards or tolerate half hearted effort.She stressed that peace of mind and mutual respect mean more to her than just being in a relationship for appearances. Diiadem also said she expects emotional support, honesty and genuine commitment from any […]
Zaragoza goalkeeper Andrada faces ban after punching opponent in the face
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada is facing a lengthy ban after punching an opponent in the face during a heated Spanish second division derby against Huesca.The Argentine shot stopper was sent off in stoppage time and then completely lost his composure, striking Huesca captain Jorge Pulido with a powerful right hand. The incident took place in the 99th minute of the match, with Zaragoza trailing 1 0 in a crucial relegation battle.After initially pushing Pulido to the ground, Andrada received a second yellow card, but instead of walking off, he sprinted towards the defender and punched him in the face. The punch sparked a mass brawl involving players and staff from both sides, and the referee and officials struggled to restore order on the pitch.In the chaos that followed, Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza player Dani Tasende were also […]
2026 FIFA World Cup: Team profile of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana
South Africa are back on the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since hosting it in 2010.Bafana Bafana secured qualification by finishing top of their CAF Group C, edging out Nigeria and sealing the ticket with a decisive win over Rwanda in October 2025. The team is coached by Belgian tactician Hugo Broos, who has focused on building a compact, hard working side that is difficult to break down.Under his guidance, South Africa enjoyed a strong Africa Cup of Nations campaign and carried that confidence into World Cup qualifying. South Africa’s style of play is based on defensive organisation, quick transitions and smart use of width.They often sit in a disciplined shape, absorb pressure and then break forward at speed through energetic midfielders and wingers. Captain Ronwen Williams is one of the […]
Intercontinental derby: Osimhen back with a bang as Galatasaray crush Fenerbahce
Victor Osimhen marked his full return from injury with a decisive performance as Galatasaray eased past arch rivals Fenerbahce in the intercontinental derby.The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in a 3 0 home victory that moved Galatasaray within touching distance of another Turkish Super Lig crown. Osimhen, who had been sidelined with a fractured forearm and only recently returned to action, led the line from the start at Rams Park.He broke the deadlock five minutes before half time, racing onto a clever pass from Mario Lemina and finishing calmly under pressure from two defenders. Fenerbahce had earlier wasted a big chance to take the lead when they missed a penalty, a moment that shifted momentum firmly in Galatasaray’s favour.After the break, the hosts tightened their grip on the contest, winning a penalty of their own which Baris Alper Yilmaz converted […]
Related
Judge bars journalists from trial of alleged coup plotters
A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped journalists from covering the trial of six people accused of plotting a coup against the Nigerian government.Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered reporters to leave the courtroom on Monday as proceedings were about to begin in the high profile case. Court officials and security operatives informed journalists that they were acting on the instructions of the judge and that no media personnel would be allowed to remain inside.Some lawyers and other observers who could not find seats were also asked to leave the courtroom before the session continued. When the judge entered and noticed a journalist still present, she demanded to know his identity and then directed him to leave immediately because he did not have a seat.Reporters protested that the case was of public interest and that no formal order […]
Businessman excretes 45 cocaine wraps as NDLEA seizes Captagon in Kwara
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says a 33 year old businessman has excreted 45 wraps of cocaine after he was intercepted on a commercial bus in Oyo State, just as operatives seized a fresh consignment of the terror drug Captagon and other hard drugs in Kwara and several other states. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement that the latest Captagon bust came almost five years after the agency recorded Africa’s first seizure of the amphetamine pill at Apapa seaport in Lagos. Operatives on patrol along Bode Saadu road in Kwara State on April 21 stopped a trailer conveying passengers and recovered 10 packs of Captagon containing 10,000 pills and nine packets of Tapentadol 250mg from 33 year old suspect Nasiru Mu’azu. Babafemi described Captagon as a tiny, highly addictive pill widely abused in the Middle East […]
CBN deputy governor hails Tinubu’s reforms, FG–CBN synergy at UNIUYO convocation
Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and the strengthened collaboration between the Federal Government and the apex bank, saying the partnership is helping to build a more resilient economy. Usoro spoke at the weekend in Uyo after she was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree during the combined 10th, 11th and 12th convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo. She told the graduating students that the CBN is actively implementing policies to stabilise the economy, avert crises and create opportunities for young Nigerians. “At the Central Bank of Nigeria, we are working to build a resilient economy that will support your aspirations and position you within a global economy filled with opportunities,” she said. Usoro explained that, in close collaboration with the Federal Government, the […]
NAF airstrikes destroy terrorists’ hideouts in North East
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed terrorists’ hideouts in Ali Sheriffti, a notorious enclave in the southern Tumbuns of the North East. NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said in a statement that the strikes were conducted on April 24 after air assets, acting on credible intelligence, carried out focused surveillance over the area. Several insurgents were sighted moving along concealed tracks before being traced to structures hidden under dense foliage in what he described as a deliberate concealment effort. “Following positive identification, the NAF executed a precise strike, engaging the structures with onboard munitions,” Ejodame explained. He said the operation achieved its objective, with the terrorists’ structures destroyed and their capability and freedom of movement in the area further degraded. The NAF spokesperson stressed that the strikes underscore the Force’s commitment to intelligence led, precision driven operations aimed […]
High Court rules FCCPC can probe customers’ complaints against banks, other financial institutions
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has the power to investigate consumers’ complaints against banks and other financial institutions. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed a suit filed by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which had challenged the Commission’s jurisdiction in matters involving a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). UBA’s case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, was thrown out in its entirety and the bank was fined N2 million for filing what the judge described as a frivolous and unmeritorious action. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as “a big victory for bank customers,” saying it strengthens advocacy for consumer rights in the financial sector. In its statement signed by Corporate Affairs Director Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission explained […]
Alleged coup: Military inaugurates general court martial, begins trial of suspects
The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court martial to try officers accused in an alleged coup plot, formally kicking off internal trial proceedings months after their arrest. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused personnel were brought under tight security to the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, where the court martial is sitting. Journalists were barred from entering the courtroom, with the session held behind closed doors. Several civilian lawyers were seen arriving at the venue ahead of the inauguration, indicating that the officers are being represented by external counsel. The sitting marks the start of the military’s disciplinary process following investigations into the alleged plot. The case dates back to October 2025, when about 16 serving military personnel, including senior and junior officers, were arrested over alleged acts of indiscipline. Subsequent investigations reportedly […]