Nigeria’s Defence Minister Quits Amid Kidnapping Crisis

Nigeria’s defence minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has resigned with immediate effect as the country battles a surge in mass kidnappings and armed attacks. The presidency confirmed his departure shortly after President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Abubakar stepped down on health grounds and that Tinubu had accepted his resignation. The move piles pressure on the government to prove its new security strategy can halt worsening violence.