Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office citing health-related concerns, a development the Presidency has confirmed and accepted.
Badaru’s resignation letter, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was submitted on Monday, December 1, 2025. In it, the former minister explained that his health condition would no longer allow him to effectively discharge the demanding responsibilities of the office. President Tinubu accepted the resignation with immediate effect and expressed appreciation for Badaru’s service to the nation.
A statement issued by the Presidency said the President thanked the former minister for his contributions to national security efforts and wished him a speedy recovery and well-being in retirement from public office.
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, a former two-term Governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023), was appointed Minister of Defence in August 2023. His tenure came at a critical time, as the country grappled with persistent security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, as well as other emerging security threats.
His exit comes amid heightened national focus on security matters, following recent government actions and policy discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture. Although no details were provided on the exact nature of his health challenges, official sources emphasized that the decision was based strictly on medical advice.
The Presidency also disclosed that arrangements are underway to nominate a replacement, who will be forwarded to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions. In the interim, senior officials within the Ministry of Defence are expected to ensure continuity in policy implementation and ongoing military operations.
As reactions continue to trail the development, analysts note that the smooth transition at the Defence Ministry will be crucial, given the sensitive security climate and the nation’s ongoing efforts to restore stability across troubled regions.