Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru Steps Down Amid Security Emergency

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru Steps Down Amid Security Emergency

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect, citing health concerns that he says will no longer allow him to continue in the demanding role.

Badaru’s resignation was conveyed in a letter to President Bola Tinubu dated December 1. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development to Channels Television on Monday, noting that the President had accepted the minister’s decision and expressed gratitude for his service.

The exit of the 63-year-old former Jigawa State governor comes at a sensitive period for Nigeria.

President Tinubu only recently declared a national security emergency, promising to outline new measures to confront escalating threats across the country.

Badaru, appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023, had been at the centre of the government’s efforts to stabilise the security landscape.

Presidency insiders say President Tinubu is expected to notify the Senate of a replacement within the week as the administration moves to keep its security agenda on track.

Badaru served two terms as governor of Jigawa State before joining Tinubu’s cabinet.

His resignation adds a new layer of urgency to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, coming at a time when the nation is still reeling from repeated mass abductions, banditry, insurgency and criminal violence across multiple regions.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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