Badaru Abubakar Denies Resigning Over Alleged US–Nigeria Military Strike Plans

Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has rejected circulating reports that he stepped down from his post because he

“could not stand and watch” a purported joint US–Nigeria military strike on Nigerian forests.

In a statement titled “Rejoinder: Categorical Denial Of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation As Minister of Defence”

Badaru described the claim as “entirely false, deliberately mischievous” and not issued by him or any authorised representative. According to  Vanguard News

He clarified that he had resigned on December 1 citing health reasons  a decision formally communicated to the head of state and made public thereafter.

“My attention has been drawn to a malicious, false and baseless publication circulating online … I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that this publication is entirely false.”

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According to Badaru, the false story was crafted to damage his reputation and to sow discord between him and the Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

What Badaru Says — And What He Actually Did

Contrary to the viral narrative, Badaru insisted that his resignation was unrelated to any disagreement over foreign military cooperation or threats.

He affirmed that the actual reasons  officially communicated before his departure  remain the only legitimate explanation for his exit.

He went further to reaffirm his dedication to national stability, security, and his continued loyalty to President Tinubu, as well as to the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

He reiterated his support for the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.

Multiple media organisations  including Vanguard, Global Hints, quickly published clarifications drawing from Badaru’s statement, emphasising that the narrative of a US-linked military strike was a fabrication.

Observers believe such rumours may reflect deep anxieties around international pressure on Nigeria over alleged rights abuses and religious tensions  issues that have drawn global attention following recent violent incidents in parts of northern Nigeria.

The false linking of Badaru’s resignation to US-Nigeria military collaboration appears to tap into those broader fears.

What This Means for National Discourse

By publicly rejecting the false narrative, Badaru aims to preserve his personal and political integrity.

His statement underscores the need for careful verification of sensitive claims  especially those that might inflame religious or ethnic fault lines in an already volatile security environment.

In his words:

“Any suggestion of an alternative or inflammatory motive is a complete falsehood engineered by mischief-makers.”

As Nigeria continues to navigate security challenges and international scrutiny, clarity of facts  not rumours  must guide public discussion.