A senior-level diplomatic push from Washington is reshaping Nigeria’s defence leadership, as credible sources confirm that the United States has linked future counter-terrorism collaboration to the removal of two key Nigerian defence officials — Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle.
Following the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar on Monday, attention has now shifted to Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, who is reportedly under strong pressure to step aside in compliance with U.S. conditions.
“The U.S. insisted that both Badaru and Matawalle be replaced before any major cooperation can move forward. That directive is the foundation of the ongoing pressure on the Presidency.”
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa earlier on Monday—his first engagement with the President since his retirement on October 24, 2025.
Insider briefings indicate that President Tinubu informed Musa that he would be nominated to succeed Badaru as the substantive Defence Minister. Hours later, a statement by the President’s media adviser Bayo Onanuga confirmed Badaru’s resignation, which was attributed to health concerns.
Badaru, a two-term former governor of Jigawa State, has served in the federal cabinet since August 2023. The Presidency is expected to notify the Senate of Musa’s nomination later this week.
The sudden ministerial shake-up is unfolding against a backdrop of diplomatic tension after the U.S. designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged severe violations of religious freedom.
The U.S. position is anchored on reports of widespread killings attributed to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, with advocacy groups arguing that Nigeria records the highest number of Christian-targeted fatalities globally.
Nigeria, through President Tinubu and senior officials, has rejected what it describes as “mischaracterisation” of the country’s complex security realities.
To address the implications of the CPC status, Nigeria deployed a delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to Washington. Both sides agreed to develop joint mechanisms focused on tackling terrorism and responding to human rights concerns.
