MINISTER of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health reasons, according to an official statement released by the Presidency late on Monday.
News Point Nigeria reports that Badaru, a former two-term governor of Jigawa State, tendered his resignation in a letter dated December 1 addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The letter, according to the State House, conveyed his decision to step down to focus on what was described as “recurring medical concerns.”
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and formally thanked Badaru for his service to the nation. The president praised the former minister’s contributions to defence administration over the last two years, especially during a period of escalating security challenges across the country.
“President Tinubu appreciates his dedication and wishes him a full and speedy recovery,” the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, read.
Badaru, 63, was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, shortly after completing two consecutive terms as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023.
During his tenure as minister, he oversaw key military reforms, increased procurement efforts, and coordinated several joint operations targeting banditry and insurgents across northern Nigeria.
His resignation comes at a critical moment, as President Tinubu recently declared a national security emergency amid rising concerns over kidnappings, terror attacks, and banditry.
A source in the Presidency told News Point Nigeria that consultations are already underway to select a replacement with “deep security experience and strong operational background.”
