The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after a rigorous five-hour screening session.
During the hearing, lawmakers pressed Musa on recent security failures, particularly the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—just before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17. The incident had provoked widespread national outrage.
Musa assured senators that he would launch a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal immediately upon assuming office. He also vowed to probe the recent killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a brigade commander in Borno State, as well as other attacks targeting military officers.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful,” he said. “I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and allow terrorists to have the capacity to carry out such acts. We are going after them fully, in collaboration with all security agencies and relevant government bodies. We will investigate thoroughly.”
The nominee pointed to structural gaps within the armed forces and called for increased funding, stronger community engagement, and more coordinated inter-agency operations. He also emphasised the need to secure schools under the Safe Schools Initiative and to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.
The screening session was not without tension. Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested that the nominee be permitted to “take a bow and go,” a remark that prompted protests from several lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South). Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, urging a thorough vetting process and noting that Nigerians, as well as the international community were watching closely.
Gen. Musa was nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of the former Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds. He pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe,” he said. “We need the support of every Nigerian, working together as a team. The enemies we are confronting are forces of evil with no regard for human life. If we do not work together, we give them room to continue their atrocities.”
His confirmation comes amid mounting concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency, and mass abductions.
