President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a swift conclusion to a nomination and confirmation process that unfolded within 24 hours.
The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, followed the Senate’s rigorous five-hour screening on Wednesday, during which lawmakers grilled the retired general on pressing national security concerns.
During the session, General Musa faced tough questions over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State—an action that preceded the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17. He pledged that, upon assuming office, he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the incident.
The new Defence Minister also vowed to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State and other targeted attacks on senior military officers across the country, assuring senators of his commitment to accountability, operational reforms, and strengthened security coordination.
General Musa’s appointment signals a new phase in the administration’s security strategy as the Tinubu government continues its push to tackle nationwide insecurity.
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