Group Demands Sack Of Defence Minister Over Worsening Insecurity

A civil society organisation, Ethics Vanguard, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately relieve the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, of his duties, citing what it described as “gross incompetence” and “abysmal failure” in addressing the escalating security crisis in Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the group’s Executive Director, Nigeria, Amina Mohammed, on Monday in Abuja, the group expressed deep concern over the rising wave of violence across the country, including attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and armed militias.

Ethics Vanguard accused the defence minister of lacking the capacity, strategic insight, and commitment required to lead Nigeria’s defence apparatus during this critical period.

“The scale and intensity of attacks across Nigeria under Mohammed Badaru Abubakar’s tenure as Minister of Defence are not only frightening but also unacceptable,” the statement read.

“From Plateau to Southern Kaduna, Benue, Zamfara, Sokoto, and even the Federal Capital Territory, Nigerians are being butchered like animals in their homes, farms, schools, and highways.”

The group praised Hon. Solomon Maren, a lawmaker representing the Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency, for speaking out against the Defence Ministry’s ineffectiveness.

It further called on the National Assembly to initiate legislative measures, including a vote of no confidence in the minister, to compel President Tinubu to act.

Ethics Vanguard criticised the appointment of Badaru, alleging that his political background and lack of a security track record make him unfit to handle the demands of the Defence Ministry.

The statement emphasised the urgent need for a competent and proactive defence strategist who can reinvigorate Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and address the worsening security situation.

“It is unconscionable that while the Nigerian state faces an existential war, the Minister of Defence remains detached, ineffective, and unresponsive. Badaru is clearly ill-equipped to handle the complexities of modern asymmetrical warfare,” the group stated.

Citing recent revelations that military combat platforms worth trillions of naira were allegedly diverted to Boko Haram insurgents, Ethics Vanguard condemned the Defence Minister’s failure to ensure accountability and transparency within the armed forces.

The organisation also announced plans to mobilise over 120 civil society groups for a nationwide protest if Badaru is not removed within 14 working days. The protests are expected to target key government institutions, including the Ministry of Defence and the National Assembly Complex.

“This is a moment that calls for statesmanship, not politics. No responsible government continues to shield failed appointees while its citizens perish daily,” Ethics Vanguard said.

The group lamented the government’s silence following the killing of over 200 people in Plateau State in recent weeks, noting that the defence minister neither visited the affected communities nor coordinated relief efforts.

“Nigeria is at war. The country needs leaders with tactical acumen, operational discipline, and the empathy of public servants — not ceremonial politicians,” the statement concluded.

Group Demands Sack Of Defence Minister Over Worsening Insecurity is first published on The Whistler Newspaper