Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from office with immediate effect.

In a letter dated December 1 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former minister cited health reasons for his decision to step down.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude to Abubakar for his service to the nation. The President is expected to forward the name of a new minister to the Senate later this week.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023.

His exit comes at a critical moment, following President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, with further details expected soon.