Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his position with immediate effect, according to a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and dated December 1.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development to journalists, stating that Badaru stepped down on health grounds. He added that President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the minister’s service to the nation.
Reports indicate that the President is expected to notify the Senate of Badaru’s replacement within the week.
Badaru, 63, previously served two terms as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.
His resignation comes as President Tinubu declares a national security emergency, with further details on the government’s strategy expected to be unveiled soon.