Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar has resigned from office, citing health concerns, in a development that comes amid mounting insecurity and President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency.
His exit has triggered strong speculation that former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, may be tapped as his replacement, following a meeting with President Tinubu on Monday night.
Confirming the resignation, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Badaru stepped down through a letter dated December 1.
“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,” Onanuga said.
Badaru, 63, who previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State, was appointed minister on August 21, 2023.
His resignation coincides with Tinubu’s move to outline the scope of the newly declared national security emergency.
Gen. Musa, appointed the 18th CDS on June 23, 2023, is widely noted for major reforms in military structure and modernization. Before that, he commanded Operation Hadin Kai in the North-east, where he pushed integrated security and humanitarian engagements.
His tenure as CDS ended on October 24, 2025, during a broad shake-up of the military hierarchy that brought in Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as his successor.
With Badaru’s resignation now official, attention shifts to the presidency as the nation awaits Tinubu’s announcement of a new defence minister.