President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence. The former Chief of Defence Staff arrived at the State House forecourt at about 3:47 p.m. on Thursday before being ushered into the President’s office, where he took the oath of office.
His swearing-in comes a day after the Senate confirmed his nomination following a rigorous five-hour screening session.
During the screening, lawmakers questioned Musa over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17. He assured senators that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
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The retired general also pledged to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks targeting senior military officers in recent months.
Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds.
A seasoned infantry officer, Musa previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai—the North-East counter-insurgency theatre—and later as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff. In those roles, he coordinated joint operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents and bandit networks until his retirement in October 2025.
His military career spans multiple command and staff appointments across formations and tri-service headquarters, giving him extensive experience in field combat operations, training, and joint operational planning.