President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
Musa arrived at the forecourt of the State House, Abuja, around 3:47 p.m. on Thursday and was immediately ushered into the President’s office to take the oath of office. His appointment comes after the Senate confirmed him on Wednesday following a thorough five-hour screening session.
During the Senate confirmation, Musa faced tough questioning over recent security concerns, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17. The former Chief of Defence Staff assured lawmakers that he would launch a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
He also pledged to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State and other attacks targeting senior military officers.
Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly due to health reasons.
A seasoned career officer, Musa previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigeria’s North-East counter-insurgency initiative, before becoming the Chief of Defence Staff. He coordinated joint operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit networks, and held multiple command and staff roles across various formations and tri-service headquarters, gaining extensive experience in combat, training, and operational planning.
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