Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar Resigns on Health Grounds

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect.

In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar cited health reasons for his decision to step down.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the minister’s service to the nation. The President is expected to forward the name of a new minister to the Senate for confirmation later this week.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before being appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023.

His resignation comes at a time President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, with further details expected in the coming days.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.