Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has stepped down from office, citing health-related concerns as the reason for his sudden resignation.
The development was confirmed on Monday in an official statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, Badaru tendered his resignation in a letter dated December 1, 2025, explaining that his health no longer permitted him to continue in the demanding role. President Tinubu has accepted the resignation.
The Presidency noted that Badaru’s departure from the Federal Executive Council takes immediate effect.
President Tinubu thanked the outgoing minister for his service, particularly during a period marked by heightened security challenges and major reforms across Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
While the statement did not disclose details of Badaru’s medical condition, the President conveyed his best wishes for the former minister’s full recovery.
More updates are expected… See State House Press Release Below
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
Badaru Abubakar, Defence Minister, Resigns
Nigeria’s defence minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.
In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.
President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.
-Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 1, 2025
