Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned with immediate effect, citing health issues.

Abubakar's resignation was contained in a letter dated 1 December and addressed to President Bola Tinubu.

In it, the minister said he was stepping down to focus on his wellbeing. 

The Presidency also confirmed that Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his service.

A replacement is expected to be announced shortly, with the President likely to notify the Senate of a nominee later this week.

Abubakar, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023 before joining the federal cabinet on 21 August 2023.

His departure comes as President Tinubu declares a national security emergency, with further details on the scope of the initiative expected in the coming days.


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