Ex-Defence Minister Badaru Breaks Silence on ‘US Bombing’ Resignation Allegations

• Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has dismissed a viral online report alleging he resigned over supposed U.S. military actions in Nigeria.

Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has refuted a viral publication alleging he resigned from office over purported United States military operations in Nigeria, describing the claim as a deliberate act of falsehood aimed at smearing his image.

Badaru, who stepped down on December 1 citing health concerns in a formal letter to President Bola Tinubu, said in a statement on Wednesday that he was shocked by an online post claiming he quit because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”

He dismissed the allegation as entirely fabricated, stating it was crafted to create friction between him and President Tinubu.

“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, deliberately mischievous, and did not originate from me or from any authorised representative acting on my behalf,” he said.

Badaru added that the individuals behind the rumour were intent on tarnishing his reputation and stirring unnecessary discord.

According to him, “the purveyors of the post intended to tarnish my hard-earned reputation, sow discord between me and the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and create needless distractions from the important work of governance.”

He stressed that the real reasons for his resignation were openly communicated to the president and made public, maintaining that any suggestion of hidden motives was “a complete falsehood engineered by mischief-makers.”

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Badaru reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I wish to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Nigeria that I remain firmly committed to the peace, security and stability of our nation,” he said. “My loyalty to the President and unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda remain intact.”

Following his resignation, President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), as the new Minister of Defence.