Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday.
In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Ministry and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. The nomination now awaits confirmation by the National Assembly.
General Musa, 58, is a decorated soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. His military career spans more than three decades, with key appointments including Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and Commander of Sector 3, Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region. He also won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
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Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa attended the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria before enrolling at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army the same year as a Second Lieutenant and steadily rose through the ranks, holding strategic operational and training roles across the army.
His appointment comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s security landscape. The country continues to grapple with insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and communal clashes in the Middle Belt.
Operations such as Hadin Kai and the Multinational Joint Task Force have been at the forefront of countering these threats, and the Defence Ministry requires experienced leadership to ensure continuity and effective coordination.
The nomination also follows the resignation of Badaru Abubakar on December 1, who cited health reasons for stepping down. Analysts say the move is part of President Tinubu’s strategy to maintain stability in the military while asserting civilian oversight over national security operations.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
