Juliet Jacob 
Badaru Abubakar
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigns unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through the nation’s security apparatus at a time of heightened national concern.
The Presidency confirms the development on Monday, stating that the minister cites personal health challenges in his resignation letter dated 1 December.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga says President Bola Tinubu accepts the resignation “with appreciation for Badaru Abubakar’s dedicated service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He adds that the President will send a new ministerial nomination to the Senate later this week.
State House officials confirm that the resignation comes as President Tinubu implements a national security emergency, signalling an imminent overhaul of defence strategy. Officials say further details on the framework of the new security plan will be released “very soon.”
Badaru, 63, previously governed Jigawa State for two terms before assuming office as Defence Minister on 21 August 2023. His exit, a senior aide notes, “arrives at a moment when Nigeria requires maximum leadership stability in defence.”
The announcement triggers renewed debate among security analysts, who warn that leadership turbulence could slow policy execution. Analysts, however, say a swift appointment of a successor will be critical to maintaining coordination across the armed forces.
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Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Oluwatobi Adu