Breaking News: Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Resigns as Nigeria’s Defence Minister
In a significant development for the Nigerian Federal Executive Council, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Nigeria Defence Minister, has resigned from his post with immediate effect, citing health grounds. His exit, announced on Monday, December 1, 2025, marks the end of his tenure overseeing the nation’s security architecture.
Badaru Resigns: Citing Health Reasons
The news that Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigns as Nigeria’s defence minister was confirmed by the Presidency in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The letter of resignation, dated December 1, 2025, was sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, detailing the compelling need for the Minister to step down due to ill-health.
President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the former Minister’s service, particularly during a period characterized by persistent and evolving security challenges across the nation. The President is expected to inform the Senate of a successor in the coming days.
The news of Badaru resigns comes at a critical time, as the Tinubu administration is actively implementing measures following a declaration of a nationwide security emergency.
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Biography: A Political Career
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, born on September 19, 1962, is a Nigerian politician and accomplished businessman whose career has spanned both the private and public sectors.
- Educational and Business Background: Abubakar holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Before his political career, he was the founder of the Talamiz Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including manufacturing and agriculture.
- Governor of Jigawa State: His political prominence grew significantly when he served as the Governor of Jigawa State for two terms, from 2015 to 2023.
- Nigeria Defence Minister: Following his tenure as governor, President Tinubu appointed him as the Nigeria Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His period in office focused on advancing security sector reforms and boosting local production of military equipment.
Context of the Resignation
Badaru Abubakar defence minister resigns amid an intense focus on national security. The former Minister’s tenure was marked by the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, particularly in the North. His successor will be stepping into a role with heightened expectations, tasked with furthering the administration’s security agenda as outlined in the newly declared security emergency.
We wish Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar a swift recovery.
