Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Resigns
On December 1, 2025, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, tendered his resignation to President Bola Tinubu, effective immediately. In his resignation letter, Abubakar cited health grounds as the reason for stepping down. President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s “dedication and contributions to national security,” while wishing him a speedy recovery.
- Age and Prior Role: Abubakar, 63, served as a two-term governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023.
- Appointment: He was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, shortly after Tinubu took office.
- Tenure: His 16-month stint came during a period of escalating security challenges in Nigeria, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and separatist tensions in the southeast.
The move occurs against a backdrop of acute national security concerns. Just last week, President Tinubu declared a “nationwide security emergency” in response to a surge in mass kidnappings. Key incidents include:
- The abduction of over 300 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger State, on November 21, 2025, with about 50 escaping and the rest still in captivity.
- A total of approximately 490 abductions across multiple states in the past two weeks, predominantly affecting schoolchildren.
Nigeria’s security apparatus has faced criticism for inadequate resources, with only about 370,000 personnel (military and police) serving a population of over 220 million. The government has ordered mass recruitment, but experts note persistent issues like poor surveillance in remote areas and under-equipped forces.
Potential Replacement and Next Steps
Sources indicate Tinubu met privately with retired Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, fueling speculation that Musa could be the next appointee. The president is expected to notify the Senate of a successor later this week to ensure continuity in the critical role.
Nigerians online have reacted swiftly, with many linking the resignation to the ongoing crisis:
- Calls for a “ruthless” new leader to boost morale and prioritize school safety.
- Speculation about political shifts, including unverified rumors of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke resigning from the PDP.
- Broader concerns about state fragility and West African instability.
This development underscores Nigeria’s deepening security woes, but it also signals potential for swift leadership renewal under Tinubu’s administration. Updates are expected as the Senate process unfolds.
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