Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect. In a letter dated December 1, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar cited health reasons for stepping down.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his dedicated service to the nation. The President is expected to inform the Senate of a successor later this week.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, served as the two-term governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 and was appointed Defence Minister on August 21, 2023. His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with further details to be provided in due course.