Badaru
By Iyunade Grace
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar officially stepped down on Monday, 1 December 2025, after submitting a resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu. In his brief statement, Badaru cited health concerns as the primary reason for leaving the post, noting that his doctors have advised him to reduce the heavy workload that comes with overseeing the nation’s armed forces.
The minister’s letter, dated the same day, expressed gratitude to the president for the honour of serving as defence minister and to his colleagues for their support during his tenure. Badaru thanked the armed forces for their dedication and said he was stepping away with a “heavy heart but a hopeful spirit” for the country’s security future.
Before his appointment to the defence portfolio in August 2023, Badaru had served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023. His political career also includes a stint as a member of the National Assembly, giving him a broad base of experience in both civilian governance and national security matters.
Badaru’s resignation comes at a particularly tense moment for Nigeria. President Tinubu recently declared a nationwide security emergency in response to a surge in kidnappings, banditry, and other violent crimes, and the defence ministry has been under pressure to accelerate reforms and bolster military operations across the country.
President Tinubu accepted Badaru’s resignation with “deep appreciation” for his service, praising the minister’s commitment to the nation’s defence. The presidency announced that a successor would be nominated to the Senate in the coming days, though no names have been released yet, and the administration pledged continuity in its security agenda.
The sudden departure raises questions about the next steps for the defence ministry as it navigates ongoing security challenges. Observers will be watching closely to see who Tinubu selects to fill the vacancy and whether the new minister will pursue the same strategic direction or chart a different course in tackling Nigeria’s insecurity.
