Sudden Exit: Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar resigns

Michael Olumide

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has tendered his resignation, ending his tenure abruptly and with immediate effect.

According to an official announcement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In a letter dated December 1, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar cited health reasons as the sole basis for his decision to step down.

His departure marks a sudden shift in the nation’s security leadership at a time when Nigeria faces intensified security challenges.

President Tinubu has officially accepted the resignation, expressing gratitude for Abubakar’s service and contributions to the country.

According to the Presidency, the President is expected to notify the Senate of a successor later this week, signaling that consultations for a replacement are already underway.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, previously served as the two-term governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, emerging as one of Tinubu’s key cabinet figures in the national security sector.

His resignation comes at a critical moment, following President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency—an initiative expected to be further defined and announced in the coming days.

Abubakar’s exit adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the administration’s efforts to stabilize and reform Nigeria’s security architecture.