Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stepped down from his position with immediate effect, citing health challenges that require urgent attention.
In a resignation letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Badaru conveyed his decision to leave the Federal Executive Council to focus on his well-being. His exit marks the first major cabinet resignation under the Tinubu administration.
President Tinubu has formally accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Badaru’s contributions to national security efforts since his appointment. According to the Presidency, arrangements are underway to brief the Senate on a nominee who will take over the defence portfolio, with an announcement expected later this week.
Badaru, 63, served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before joining the federal cabinet on August 21, 2023. During his tenure as Minister of Defence, he oversaw key operations and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
His resignation comes at a sensitive time for the administration, following President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency. The President is expected to provide additional details on the scope and implementation of the emergency measures in the coming days.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
