Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health challenges as the reason for his decision.
The resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the letter, the former minister said his health condition required urgent attention and would no longer allow him to effectively discharge his duties.
Confirming the development, the Presidency said President Tinubu has accepted Badaru’s resignation and expressed gratitude for his service to the nation. The President is expected to notify the Senate of a replacement later this week.
Badaru, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before he was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His resignation comes at a critical moment, following President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, with the government expected to unveil new measures to address worsening insecurity across the country.
A senior presidency official noted that, despite his exit, the administration remains committed to its ongoing reforms within the security architecture.
More details are expected following the announcement of Badaru’s successor.
