THIS DAWN — The Minister of Defence Headquarters, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.
It was learnt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promptly accepted his resignation.
Presently, many Nigerians are already hoping to see Lt. General Christopher Musa appointed as the new Minister of Defence.
In an earlier development, while speaking at a regional security summit in Kaduna on Saturday, November 30, Badaru had praised the strategy of President Tinubu to combat insecurity.
He said that Tinubu has directed the Ministry to rebuild the national security architecture.
He noted that Tinubu is determined to improve national security and restore stability across the country.
He said the president directed the defence establishment to build a national security architecture capable of tackling banditry, terror cells and organised criminal networks.
“The president’s directive is to establish a strong, yet adaptive national security architecture to eradicate these threats,” Badaru said.
He resigned less than forty-eight hours later.
Who is Mohammed Badaru Abubakar?
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (born 29 September 1962) is a Nigerian businessman, politician, and senior government official.
He was the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
Before joining the federal cabinet, Badaru served as the Governor of Jigawa State for eight years (2015–2023), representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was known for a governance style that emphasized agriculture, rural infrastructure, and fiscal discipline.
Background & Early Life
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State of Origin: Jigawa
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Education: Studied Accountancy at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
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Business Career:
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Founder/CEO of Talamiz Group, a conglomerate involved in commodities, logistics, and manufacturing.
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Former President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
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Badaru built a reputation as an influential northern businessman long before entering frontline politics.
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Political Career
Governor of Jigawa (2015–2023)
His tenure is noted for:
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Expansion of rice and sesame production, making Jigawa one of Nigeria’s agricultural hubs.
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Extensive rural road construction and improved access to markets.
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Strong emphasis on public financial management, which earned the state commendations for transparency and budget discipline.
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Social intervention programmes targeting youth and women through skills, farming inputs, and entrepreneurship support.
Minister of Defence (2023–present)
As Minister, Badaru is responsible for Nigeria’s military policy, defence budgeting, and coordination of the armed forces. His tenure has coincided with:
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Intensified federal operations against insurgency in the North-East.
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Counter-banditry missions in the North-West and North-Central.
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Renewed defence procurement and oversight of military reform initiatives.
He serves alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Personal Life
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Married, with children.
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Known for a low-key personal lifestyle and strong ties to the business community.
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Popularly called “Badaru” or “Sarkin Yakin Dutse.”
