Story perspectives

Nigeria's Defense Minister Resigns Amid Security Crisis

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria's defense minister, resigned on health grounds during Tinubu's national security emergency.
The emergency follows mass kidnappings, with more than 490 abducted in recent weeks, including students from St. Mary's School.
Armed gangs, often seeking ransom, have intensified attacks and prompted mass recruitment of police and military.
Security forces are under-resourced and stretched thin, struggling to shield 220 million people amid a jihadist insurgency in the northwest.

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Story summary

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria's defense minister, resigned on health grounds during Tinubu's national security emergency.
The emergency follows mass kidnappings, with more than 490 abducted in recent weeks, including students from St. Mary's School.
Armed gangs, often seeking ransom, have intensified attacks and prompted mass recruitment of police and military.
Security forces are under-resourced and stretched thin, struggling to shield 220 million people amid a jihadist insurgency in the northwest.