Abuja – Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from his position with immediate effect, according to a Statehouse press release dated 1 December 2025.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar cited health reasons for his decision to quit. The President accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for the minister’s service to the nation.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, served two terms as Governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023) before his appointment as Defence Minister on 21 August 2023. His tenure has been marked by ongoing security challenges.
The resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, for which further details are expected soon. The President is expected to notify the Senate of a successor later this week.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), confirmed the development and emphasized the government’s appreciation for Abubakar’s contributions.
The sudden departure raises questions about leadership transition in the defence portfolio at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s security agenda.
