By Fatima Mukhtar
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office, creating a major vacancy in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security cabinet at a time the country is battling increased insecurity.
Badaru tendered his resignation on Monday, citing health reasons. The presidency has accepted his resignation and thanked him for his service.
His exit comes days after President Tinubu declared a National Security Emergency following a surge in bandit attacks, mass kidnappings and other violent incidents across northern states.
Sources in the presidency said consultation has begun on who will replace him. Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), is believed to be a strong candidate after he held a private meeting with President Tinubu shortly before the resignation was made public. The presidency, however, has not officially named a successor.
Badaru, a former governor of Jigawa State, was appointed Minister of Defence in August 2023. His time in office witnessed increased counter-terrorism operations, but insecurity persisted in several regions.
The presidency is expected to nominate a new minister in the coming days.
About The Author
