Senate Confirms Christopher Musa as Defence Minister, Orders Probe into Troop Withdrawal Ahead of Attacks
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following an intensive five-hour screening session marked by strong commitments to restore coordination and accountability across the nation’s security architecture.
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 the screening exercise, the retired general pledged to overhaul operational coordination among the country’s security agencies and ordered an immediate investigation into the reported withdrawal of troops from flashpoints shortly before recent violent attacks.
“We are going to investigate fully,” Musa 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.”
He stressed that securing the lives of Nigerians and protecting the nation’s territory would be his top priority, noting that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility involving government, security agencies and citizens.
“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.”
Musa’s confirmation comes amid heightened national concern over rising kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions, including a recent attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where at least 25 students were reportedly seized. Investigations revealed that security personnel may have withdrawn from the area shortly before the assailants struck—an issue the new Defence Minister vowed to probe thoroughly.
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Lawmakers expressed optimism that Musa’s vast experience in military leadership and counterinsurgency operations would strengthen Nigeria’s response to insecurity and restore public confidence in the nation’s defence system.
General Musa is expected to assume office immediately as security pressures continue to mount across several parts of the country.
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