Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his position on Monday night,citing health challenges.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Abubakar’s resignation in a statement.
The minister’s resignation came amid growing insecurity, bedevilling the country.
“President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.
“President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week,” Onanuga said in the statement.
Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023.
He was appointed minister on August 21, 2023, by Tinubu, the statement added.
Onanuga stated that Abubakar’s resignation came amid Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.
There are, however, strong indications that the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) might replace Abubakar.
Speculations were rife last night that Musa, who was recently relieved of his position as CDS by the President, might replace Abubakar after his meeting with the president.
Musa was appointed as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria on June 23, 2023.
During his tenure, he was widely credited with leading major restructuring and modernisation efforts in the military.
As a theatre commander before becoming CDS, Musa led operations against insurgents in the North-east under Operation Hadin Kai.
He also emphasised civil-military cooperation, believing in integrating humanitarian and development initiatives with security operations.
On October 24, 2025, the president announced a major reshuffle of the country’s military leadership.
Under this shake-up, Musa was removed from his position as the CDS and was replaced by Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
Abubakar resigns as defence minister, ex-CDS Musa considered for role
