The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after an intensive five-hour screening session.
General Musa, who served as CDS until June 2024, was nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed, who resigned on health grounds.
During his screening, the retired general pledged to overhaul operational coordination across security agencies and ordered an immediate probe into the reported withdrawal of troops in recent violent incidents.
“We are going to investigate fully,” he told lawmakers. “The Armed Forces have a way, and from the defence ministry, we will ensure proper oversight of operations. We are going to go after them fully, working with all security agencies and MDAs.”
Musa said securing lives and territory would be his top priority, stressed that national security required collective responsibility.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. We need the support of every Nigerian because this is a team effort,” he said. “The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces with no respect for human life. If we don’t work together, we allow them to continue their destructive acts.”
His confirmation came amid heightened national concern over kidnappings, insurgency, and mass abductions, including the recent attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were seized. Reports indicated that security personnel had withdrawn shortly before the assailants struck an issue Musa vowed to thoroughly investigate.
General Musa is expected to assume office immediately as security pressures continue to mount nationwide.
