By Our Correspondent
Former Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has denied a viral online claim suggesting he resigned in protest against alleged plans by the United States and the Bola Tinubu administration to bomb targets in Nigerian forests. He described the circulating statement as false, malicious, and created to mislead the public.
In a personally signed rebuttal, Badaru said he never made such comments either directly or through any representative. He explained that the viral publication was fabricated and intended to stir unnecessary controversy, damage his reputation, and create the impression of a disagreement between him and the federal government.
Badaru stated that the allegation was an attempt to politicise his exit from office during a sensitive period in Nigerias security situation. He urged members of the public to ignore the misinformation and rely only on verified statements issued by him or recognised authorities.
He reaffirmed that the reason for his resignation was clearly stated in the letter he submitted on December 1, 2025. In that letter, he cited health related concerns as the only genuine basis for stepping down from his ministerial position. His resignation has already been accepted by the presidency.
His clarification comes at a time when the nation is facing increased security challenges and public interest in the circumstances surrounding his sudden departure. Badaru thanked Nigerians for their support and cautioned against the spread of unverified reports that could cause tension or misinterpretation of national security issues.
