Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to his two-year tenure in the security portfolio.
The resignation was formally communicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a letter dated December 1, and later confirmed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the presidential aide, Badaru attributed his decision to health-related challenges and requested to be relieved of his duties.
President Tinubu has accepted the minister’s departure and expressed appreciation for what he described as Badaru’s service to the country during a particularly challenging period for national security.
Sources within the Presidency told Channels Television that the President is expected to forward the name of a new ministerial nominee to the Senate before the end of the week.
Badaru, 63, previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023.
He was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, and became a key figure in the administration’s efforts to confront widespread insecurity.
His resignation comes at a time when the President has declared a national emergency on security and is preparing to unveil broader measures aimed at addressing kidnappings, terrorism, and banditry across the country.
A state house press statement posted by Onanuga also reiterated the minister’s reason for stepping down and wished him a full recovery.
Badaru’s exit leaves a crucial vacancy in the nation’s security architecture, with expectations rising over who the President will appoint to oversee defence operations as Nigeria confronts escalating threats.
