Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Resigns 

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, ending his tenure just 15 months after joining President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to the President, Badaru cited health challenges as the reason for his abrupt departure from one of the most sensitive positions in the federal government.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for Badaru’s service, describing his contributions to national security and public administration as “significant.” The President is expected to forward the name of a replacement to the Senate later this week, as the Defence Ministry enters a period of transition at a time marked by persistent insecurity across the country.

Badaru, 63, previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State, from 2015 to 2023, before being appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023. His time in office has coincided with escalating security challenges, including the rise of coordinated banditry, violent extremism, and a resurgence of kidnapping incidents in several regions.

His resignation comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a nationwide security emergency, a move that signalled the administration’s intent to pursue more aggressive measures to stabilise the country. The Defence Ministry was expected to play a central role in the rollout of these measures, making the timing of Badaru’s departure particularly notable.

Although officials insist his exit is strictly for health reasons, it arrives at a moment when the government is under increasing pressure to demonstrate clearer strategy and stronger leadership in the security sector. As the Presidency moves quickly to appoint a successor, attention will shift to how the administration intends to maintain continuity within the Defence Ministry while accelerating its promised reforms.