The Minister of Defence, Mr. Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and dated 1 December. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development to Channels Television on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Mr. Badaru stepped down on health grounds. He added that President Tinubu had accepted the resignation and expressed appreciation for the minister’s service to the nation.

According to sources within the Presidency, the President is expected to notify the Senate of Mr. Badaru’s successor within the week.

Mr. Badaru, 63, served as Governor of Jigawa State for two terms between 2015 and 2023. He was appointed Minister of Defence by President Tinubu on 21 August 2023.

His exit comes at a time when President Tinubu has declared a national security emergency, with details of the initiative expected to be outlined in due course.