Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badal Abubakar, announced his resignation on Monday, confirmed by President Bola Tinubu’s office, amidst rising jihadist violence against Christians in the nation.
The population of Nigeria is roughly split between Muslims and Christians, but the country has endured brutal Islamic violence targeting Christians for over a decade. This violence is prevalent in the Muslim-majority north and the Middle Belt, which serves as an unofficial dividing line between the north and the predominantly Christian south. Groups like Boko Haram in the north are known for mass kidnappings and bombings, while Fulani jihadists present a significant danger in the Middle Belt.
Fulani attacks have caused large displacements, and experts suggest they’re aimed at eliminating native Christians in the Middle Belt. International human rights specialists have long noted Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places for Christians due to Islamic violence.
In October, Nigeria was added to the State Department’s list of countries of particular concern regarding religious freedom, which hinted that the U.S. might consider military intervention to protect Christians.
“The United States cannot stand by and watch such atrocities occur in Nigeria and many other countries. We are ready, willing, and able to save the great Christians of the world!” this was announced by the U.S. during a global address.
In response, President Tinubu denied claims of religious discrimination in Nigeria, labeling the widespread persecution as mere “instability.” His administration has often referred to jihadists as “bandits,” downplaying the religious angle of the violence that Christians report. This approach seems influenced by government pressure to minimize media coverage on the crisis. Following the CPC designation, some Christians alleged they faced threats from officials if they spoke out against attacks on their communities.
Minister of Defense Badal resigned on Monday, citing “health reasons,” as per Tinubu’s spokesperson. President Tinubu accepted his resignation and expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s service.
Just days prior, Badal appeared optimistic at the North West Security Summit in Kaduna, asserting that progress was evident in addressing security issues, though he hesitated to label the jihadist threats directly.
Contradicting Badal’s remarks, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the situation in the state as “large and constantly evolving,” emphasizing an increase in organized violence and criminal activities across borders, pointing out the necessity for a robust response.
In light of growing confidence in Tinubu’s administration, northern governors and traditional leaders convened to discuss decentralizing the national police force, suggesting that the existing centralized model fails to provide adequate security for Nigeria’s vast population.
Blueprints for cooperation among northern governors were also initiated to address the jihadist threat independently from the federal government.
Some political leaders, post-CPC designation, supported Tinubu, arguing that the jihadist violence is a broader threat affecting both Muslims and Christians, rather than a purely religious issue.
“Labeling Nigeria as religiously intolerant doesn’t capture the reality of our nation,” Tinubu asserted, stressing the government’s genuine efforts to uphold freedom of belief.
However, as violence escalated—especially against Christian schools—Tinubu was compelled to declare a state of emergency, a move he had previously downplayed. His subsequent actions included closing schools, leaving many Christians without education, and canceling a planned trip to South Africa.
Increasingly, political opponents have criticized Tinubu. The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition, Comrade Ini Emebon, recently suggested he step down, arguing that without international aid, the situation could worsen.
Former Tinubu aide Hakim Baba Ahmed also advised against his re-election. He conveyed concerns about Tinubu’s capability to govern effectively, suggesting he should find a younger successor within the party.
