President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
Musa, who previously served as Chief of Defence Staff, arrived at the State House, Abuja, at about 3:47 p.m. on Thursday and was immediately ushered into the President’s office to take the oath of office.
The Senate had confirmed Musa’s appointment on Wednesday after a rigorous five-hour screening session. During the confirmation, he faced questions about recent security challenges, including the controversial troop withdrawal from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, which occurred shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
He told lawmakers, “I will immediately set up a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal once I assume duty.” Musa also pledged to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.
Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down reportedly for health reasons.
A career infantry officer, Musa has extensive experience in both field operations and military leadership. He previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigeria’s North-East counter-insurgency operation, and coordinated joint efforts against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups before retiring in October. Throughout his career, he held command and staff positions across multiple formations and tri-service headquarters, giving him a broad understanding of military strategy, training, and operations.