Christopher Musa

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru earlier this week.

The former Jigawa State governor stepped down amid worsening security challenges across the country.

Upon accepting his resignation, President Tinubu promptly nominated General Musa and sent his name to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

General Musa appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, where he was extensively questioned by lawmakers on security matters before being cleared and confirmed.

At a brief but solemn ceremony, President Tinubu urged the new minister to leverage his extensive operational experience, strategic depth, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture.

He emphasised that the ministry must prioritise synergy among the services, accelerate reforms, and sustain momentum in ongoing joint operations.

The President also highlighted the need for transparency in procurement, improved welfare for personnel, and deeper inter-agency cooperation.

General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff until June, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced officers of his generation.

He commanded counterterrorism operations in the North-East and provided strategic oversight for nationwide military engagements.

He pledged total commitment to the President’s vision for a safer and more stable Nigeria, promising to work tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, modernise defence capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies.

“We will not relent. We will sustain the pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure that peace returns to every community,” he said, stressing the importance of troop morale, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities.

Following the induction, senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.

General Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate confirmed retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence on Wednesday. This appointment places the former Chief of Defence Staff at the head of the nation’s defence apparatus barely 40 days after his military retirement.

The confirmation followed a rigorous screening session where senators questioned the nominee on various security challenges facing the country.

The approval was ultimately secured through a voice vote.General Musa’s nomination moved swiftly through the executive and legislative branches.

President Bola Tinubu nominated him on Tuesday, with his name transmitted to the Senate for confirmation the same day.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has congratulated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) on his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.

In a statement issued today, Governor Sani described the nomination as “well-deserved” and a “profound vote of confidence” in General Musa’s character and competence.

He extended congratulations on behalf of the Kaduna State Government and its people, noting the nominee is an illustrious son of the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment, stating it rewards excellence and reaffirms the President’s resolve to strengthen national security.

Having worked closely with General Musa, Governor Sani affirmed the appointment is timely and apt, calling it “a round peg in a round hole.”

He highlighted the General’s previous service as Chief of Defence Staff, citing his “uncommon discipline, strategic clarity, and humane leadership” which restored public confidence in the military.

For Kaduna State, the Governor credited General Musa’s “wise counsel, measured interventions, and firm support” as instrumental in stabilising areas once troubled by banditry and insurgent activity since May 2023.

Governor Sani urged the Senate to accord the distinguished officer expedited screening and approval, stating the nation stands to benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.

He concluded by saluting General Musa’s service, celebrating his ascent on behalf of Kaduna, and expressing confidence that history will remember him kindly.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has nominated the immediate-past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence.

The nomination was disclosed in a press release from the State House on Monday, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

General Musa, 58, is proposed to succeed Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned from the cabinet earlier.

A highly decorated officer, General Musa served as the nation’s top military commander from June 2023 until October 2025.

His extensive career includes frontline roles in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, notably as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and commander in the Lake Chad region.

President Tinubu, in a formal letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed confidence that General Musa would provide strong leadership to the Defence Ministry and bolster national security.

The appointment is pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly denied an online report linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged coup attempt.

In a press release signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the publication as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.” 

The military high command stated that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain their operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The statement also addressed the recent arrest of sixteen officers, clarifying that they are part of a routine investigation for professional misconduct. The DHQ assured that an investigative panel has been constituted and its findings will be made public.

Reaffirming its loyalty, the Armed Forces declared its unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the Federal Government, urging the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.” 

The statement concluded with the firm declaration, “Democracy is forever.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar AlgasgainiThe chief of defencce staff general, Christopher Musa, stated that currently, the bandits, who no longer have any town under their control, have devised a new strategy for recruiting fighters.

He explained that in the past, they would raid villages to force men, whether willing or not, to take up arms and join them, threatening to kill them if they refused.

However, during an interview on Arise Television, he said they no longer have that option.

He further explained that the new tactic the bandits are using involves getting women pregnant repeatedly, using the children born as fighters.

According to him, once a woman gets pregnant and gives birth, within four months, the bandits would return to the woman to impregnate her again.

Some bandits, he added, who surrendered and handed over over 120,000 weapons, mostly small arms, had recruited children as fighters.