Breaking News: Defence Minister Badaru Resigns Amid National Security Emergency

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned from his position with immediate effect on December 1, 2025, citing health grounds.

The unexpected departure comes just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a national security emergency to tackle escalating banditry, kidnappings, and extremist violence across the country.

The former Jigawa State Governor served as Defence Minister for just over three months, having been appointed on August 21, 2023.

President Tinubu accepted the resignation and offered his gratitude for Abubakar’s service, according to a State House press release issued by Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.

Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, 63, is a seasoned politician and administrator, having served two consecutive terms as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023. Jigawa State.

The Minister's resignation follows President Tinubu’s nationwide security emergency declaration on November 26, 2025.

The State House press release indicated that President Tinubu is expected to inform the Senate of Abubakar’s successor later this week.