France, Dec. 2 -- According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, stepped down with immediate effect on Monday.

The 63-year-old minister reportedly cited health reasons for his departure - a move that comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a nationwide security emergency last week.

"His resignation comes amid President Tinubu's declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course," Onanuga said in a statement.

The government has promised more detail soon on what this emergency will entail, but the message for now is that Abuja intends to move swiftly.

Nigeria - Africa's most populous nation and no stranger to security chall...