Defence Minister Badaru Steps Down Amid Insecurity
By Odekunle Doyin
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, ending his tenure a little over two years after his appointment.
His resignation was conveyed in a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Tinubu. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development on Monday, noting that the minister stepped down on health grounds.
According to the presidency, President Tinubu accepted Badaru’s decision and expressed appreciation for his service to the country during a challenging period for the nation’s security architecture.
Presidential sources said the President is expected to forward the name of a new nominee to the Senate within the week to ensure continuity in the defence sector.
Badaru, 63, previously served as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before joining Tinubu’s cabinet as Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His exit comes at a time the President has declared a national security emergency and is preparing to unveil detailed measures in response to rising security challenges across the country.
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