• Nigeria’s defense minister resigned for health reasons, presidency says

• Over 400 people abducted since Nov. 17 amid worsening insecurity

• Government plans to recruit 50,000 security personnel nationwide

Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, resigned on Monday for health reasons with immediate effect, the presidency said.

President Bola Tinubu accepted his resignation and thanked him for his service, according to a statement.

The move comes after Nigeria declared a nationwide security state of emergency on Nov. 26. The country is grappling with mounting insecurity, including a sharp rise in mass kidnappings in the north-central region.

Since Nov. 17, nearly 402 people, most of them students, have been abducted in the states of Niger, Kebbi, Kwara and Borno, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In northern areas, attacks by armed groups are rapidly worsening food security. The World Food Program estimates that nearly 35 million people could face severe food shortages during the 2026 lean season.

The government has withdrawn police officers assigned to VIP protection in order to bolster security in communities. It also announced plans to recruit about 50,000 new security personnel to strengthen efforts against terrorism and organized crime.

Badaru Abubakar, 63, served as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 before President Tinubu appointed him defense minister in August 2023. His successor is expected to be named this week.

Lydie Mobio