4th December, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Senate following the swift confirmation of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd) as the new Minister of Defence.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, the President praised the Senate for swiftly approving Musa’s appointment and described the timing as crucial for the nation’s security needs.
“I want to commend the Nigerian Senate for its expedited confirmation of General Musa yesterday. His appointment comes at a critical juncture in our lives as a Nation. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President wrote.
The Senate confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff on Wednesday after an intense five-hour screening session that addressed pressing security concerns across Nigeria.
Security Challenges Dominate Screening
General Musa’s confirmation comes at a time when Nigeria faces a surge in mass abductions, especially in schools across the northern region. During the screening, lawmakers raised questions about recent security incidents, including the controversial troop withdrawal from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, prior to the abduction of 25 students on November 17.
Addressing lawmakers during the screening, General Musa said probing the reported troop withdrawal would be one of his first assignments as Defence Minister, stressing that the military “is not known for cowardice”.
The retired general also committed to investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP fighters in Borno State, which occurred following an ambush in mid-November.
Pledges to Combat Insecurity
General Musa outlined his strategy to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges through enhanced inter-agency collaboration and technology deployment. He ruled out negotiation with criminals, insisting it “comprises security”.
“I will ensure that we monitor all activities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to guarantee their professionalism. Any information received will be appropriately addressed, and I will ensure that the troops respond as swiftly as possible,” he assured the Senate.
The former CDS also emphasized the need to stop ransom payments, which he described as fueling the kidnapping economy. He advocated for tracking mechanisms and technological solutions to combat the rising wave of abductions.
Background and Appointment
General Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on December 1, 2025, citing ill health.
The retired general served as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 until October 2025. His distinguished military career includes serving as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in 2021 and later commanding the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio encouraged the new Defence Minister to advise President Tinubu on effective strategies to tackle insecurity, urging him to be firm, resolute, and patriotic in prioritizing national interests.