RESIGNS AS DEFENCE MINISTER: Muhammed Badaru abubakar resigns as defence minister, cites health reasons

 

On December 1, 2025, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigned from his post as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. His resignation letter, addressed to Bola Tinubu, cited health reasons. 

The Presidency, through the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, confirmed that Mr Tinubu accepted the resignation and thanked Badaru for his service. 

As of now, the seat is vacant, and a successor is expected to be nominated soon — the President is likely to inform the Senate of his choice later this week. 

 

Who is Badaru — Quick Background

Badaru, now 63 years old, served as Minister of Defence from 21 August 2023. 

Before that, he was the Governor of Jigawa State for two terms (2015–2023). 

His tenure at the Defence Ministry occurred during a challenging period for national security, as Nigeria grappled with rising threats such as insurgency, banditry, communal violence, and broader instability in several regions. 

️ The Context Before Resignation — Pressure, Criticism, Security Challenges

Although the official reason given was health, Badaru’s resignation comes after mounting pressure and widespread criticism over the security situation under his watch.

Various civil society organisations, youth groups, and regional coalitions had repeatedly called for his removal, arguing he lacked the strategic leadership needed to manage Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. 

There had indeed been significant security breakdowns: reports of attacks in multiple states, insurgents overrunning military formations, and claims of poor coordination and inadequate equipment for troops — all stoking public and political frustration. 

Some advocacy groups described his ministry as being run more like a political patronage system than a war-time defence apparatus. 

That said: supporters and defenders of Badaru argued that the criticism was unfair — stressing that the defence apparatus in Nigeria operates as a collective system where successes and failures often go beyond the actions of a single minister. 

 What This Means Going Forward

The resignation marks a major shake-up in Nigeria’s security leadership at a time when the country is facing major threats. It could signal a shift — if the next appointee brings renewed focus, strategy, and reforms.

However, change at the top doesn’t automatically solve deep structural problems: security coordination, intelligence, logistics, and military morale — among others — will still need urgent, concrete attention.

The coming days will be important as the presidency nominates a successor: who is chosen and how quickly the transition occurs could influence public confidence and effectiveness in addressing in

security nationwide.