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Senate confirms Christopher Musa as new minister of defence amid rising insecurity
Written By: Chisom Onyibe
03 Dec 2025 05:05 PM
Abuja, FCT – In a swift move to bolster national security leadership, the Nigerian Senate has approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. Christopher Gwabinus Musa (retd.) as the country's Minister of Defence, following an intensive five-hour screening session on Wednesday.
President Bola Tinubu nominated the 57-year-old general on Tuesday, replacing Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned from the post earlier this month.
Musa, who served as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 until October 2025, faced rigorous questioning from senators on his plans to tackle Nigeria's escalating security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and recent high-profile abductions.
The confirmation comes against a backdrop of heightened insecurity, highlighted by the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, last week, where reports allege troops withdrew from the area just before the attackers struck.
During the session, Musa pledged immediate action, stating, "We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government)."
He also committed to a thorough investigation into the troop withdrawal incident, emphasizing, "The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities."
Set to turn 58 on December 25, Musa's military background includes key roles in counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and other threats.
Analysts suggest his appointment could enhance coordination among security forces and address operational lapses, potentially stabilizing Nigeria's defence posture as the nation grapples with over 1,000 insecurity incidents reported in the past quarter alone.
The Senate's approval paves the way for Musa's inauguration, with expectations high for renewed momentum in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
President Bola Tinubu nominated the 57-year-old general on Tuesday, replacing Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned from the post earlier this month.
Musa, who served as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 until October 2025, faced rigorous questioning from senators on his plans to tackle Nigeria's escalating security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and recent high-profile abductions.
The confirmation comes against a backdrop of heightened insecurity, highlighted by the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, last week, where reports allege troops withdrew from the area just before the attackers struck.
During the session, Musa pledged immediate action, stating, "We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government)."
He also committed to a thorough investigation into the troop withdrawal incident, emphasizing, "The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities."
Set to turn 58 on December 25, Musa's military background includes key roles in counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and other threats.
Analysts suggest his appointment could enhance coordination among security forces and address operational lapses, potentially stabilizing Nigeria's defence posture as the nation grapples with over 1,000 insecurity incidents reported in the past quarter alone.
The Senate's approval paves the way for Musa's inauguration, with expectations high for renewed momentum in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
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