Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office, citing health concerns. His resignation takes immediate effect.

The development was disclosed in a State House statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Badaru conveyed his decision in a letter dated December 1, addressed to President Bola Tinubu. The President has accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the minister’s service to the nation.

Badaru, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His exit comes at a critical time, as the President recently declared a national security emergency and is expected to provide further details on the policy direction in the coming days.

The Presidency said President Tinubu will communicate Badaru’s replacement to the Senate later this week.