Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Resigns — President Accepts Resignation on Health Grounds

Abuja The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (age 63), the presidency confirmed late Monday evening. The minister tendered his resignation in a letter dated 1 December 2025, citing declining health as the reason for his decision.

A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu accepted the resignation “with immediate effect,” and expressed gratitude for Badaru’s service to the nation.

Badaru who previously served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023, was appointed Defence Minister on 21 August 2023. Under his watch, the Ministry of Defence has presided over a period marked by intensifying national security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and recurring attacks on military installations across the country.

According to the presidency’s announcement, the resignation comes at a critical time, just days after President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency. Government sources say that Tinubu will likely forward the name of a successor to the Senate for confirmation later this week.

What this means for national security and next steps

This development in Defence Ministry raises questions over continuity, especially as Nigeria battle with insurgency, kidnapping, and attacks on military formation. Observers note that the change may offer an opportunity for renewed strategy at a time when many Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction with the current security response. In recent months, civil society groups and security-watch organisations had publicly called for the minister’s removal over what they described as “gross incompetence.”

Nevertheless, until a replacement is officially confirmed, the day-to-day oversight of the nation’s defence apparatus remains in flux. Sources within the presidency say the administration is weighing potential candidates, including former senior military officers, whose names have been floated in the media.

For now, the nation watches anxiously, hoping that the eventual successor brings renewed vigour, focus and competence to the arduous task of restoring security and order to troubled regions.