ABUJA — In a sudden development, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has tendered his resignation — a letter dated 1 December 2025 sent to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President, cited ill-health as the reason for stepping down.
The resignation was accepted with immediate effect, according to a statement by the presidential media office. The President expressed appreciation for Badaru’s service, noting the challenging security landscape he managed while in office.
Badaru, 63, had served as Defence Minister since August 21, 2023, following his two-term tenure as governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023). His departure comes at a sensitive moment: the federal government recently declared a nationwide security emergency, signaling intensified efforts to tackle insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
According to sources within the presidency, a successor will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation later this week. Among the names reportedly under consideration is retired Christopher Musa — former Chief of Defence Staff — who reportedly met with President Tinubu Monday evening.
The Defence Ministry has yet to issue a full account of ongoing operations, but security watchers say the leadership transition must be smooth and immediate to avoid creating gaps amid Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.