President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, marking a major step in the administration’s effort to overhaul the country’s security architecture.
The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a day after the Senate subjected Musa to a five-hour screening session before confirming his appointment.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared a photograph of the oath-taking on his X handle.
‘Nigerians will see results’
Speaking with journalists after the brief ceremony, Musa pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s security and called for citizens’ support.
He promised quick results in the nation’s fight against insecurity.
“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we are going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” the newly sworn-in minister said.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I guarantee that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured.”
Musa assumes office at a time of heightened insecurity marked by mass abductions, banditry, and widespread kidnapping across several regions.
In recent months, the crisis has drawn international attention. US President Donald Trump had publicly criticised the killings and what he described as the mass slaughter of Christians in Nigeria, prompting the Federal Government to intensify security efforts, including a reshuffle of security chiefs.
During his Senate screening on Wednesday, Musa — the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) — lamented the increasing frequency of kidnapping for ransom. He argued that strengthened technological capability would enable security agencies to trace ransom payments, which he said fuel banditry. He also dismissed the need for negotiations with criminal groups.
“The use of technology is very important. If we are able to have a database, every Nigerian with a number linked to all electronic platforms, we can monitor everything,” said Musa, who served as CDS from June 2023 to October 2025.
According to him, paying ransom “compromises security” and undermines efforts to defeat criminal networks.
A General’s return
General Christopher Musa (retd.) was confirmed as Minister of Defence on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after an extensive screening by the Senate.
President Tinubu had nominated him the previous day, asking the Senate to confirm the former CDS to fill the position vacated by Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on Monday.
In his letter to the 109-member Senate, Tinubu expressed confidence in Musa’s capacity to lead Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Just 24 hours later, the 57-year-old was screened and confirmed as the country’s substantive Minister of Defence, taking charge of one of the nation’s most critical portfolios.
