Amanze Chinonye
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after an intensive screening session that lasted about five hours.
Musa, who retired from service in October 2025, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday following the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down citing health reasons.
During the screening at the plenary, lawmakers subjected the nominee to rigorous questioning on national security failures, including the recent withdrawal of troops from a girls’ school in Kebbi State shortly before the abduction of several students.
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Senators also demanded explanations on persistent insecurity across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, despite years of counter-insurgency operations.
Musa pledged to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the Kebbi school abduction, vowing to hold accountable any personnel found negligent. He also said he would press for strengthened intelligence, improved inter-agency coordination, and increased funding for the armed forces to confront terrorism, banditry and other threats.
The former CDS rejected the idea of negotiating with bandits or granting blanket deradicalisation programmes to so-called repentant fighters, insisting that such practices embolden violent groups. He emphasised the need for stricter punitive measures and a more robust border-security framework.
Senators, who rejected appeals for a “bow and go” session, challenged Musa on military capacity gaps, logistics shortfalls, and the country’s continued dependence on imported defence equipment. They also raised concerns about troop welfare, rising kidnapping incidents, and the government’s strategic response to escalating violence.
After deliberations, the Senate confirmed Musa through a voice vote which the lawmakers unanimously voted in favour of.
His confirmation comes at a time of heightened public pressure on the Federal Government to improve security nationwide. With rising insurgent activity, frequent mass kidnappings, and deteriorating rural safety, analysts say the Defence Ministry faces significant operational and public-confidence challenges.
Musa is expected to assume office immediately, with expectations that he will initiate reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and restore public trust in the military’s capacity to protect lives and territory.
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.
