President Tinubu has sworn in retired CDS Gen. Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, directing him to immediately investigate recent security lapses and strengthen national defence operations
Tinubu Swears In Gen. Chris Musa as Defence Minister, Orders Immediate Overhaul of Security Operations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday officially swore in retired Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a major shift in the command and coordination of the country’s security apparatus.
The ceremony, which took place at the State House, Abuja, comes just a day after the Senate confirmed Musa’s ministerial nomination. The retired general, who led the Nigerian Armed Forces as CDS until June 2024, assumes office amid rising insecurity and mounting public concern over recent military operations.
Shortly after taking the oath of office, General Musa vowed to immediately begin a comprehensive probe into recent security breaches, including controversial troop withdrawals in Kebbi State and coordinated attacks targeting senior military officers in various frontline zones.
“We cannot afford any lapses in our defence posture,” Musa stated. “I will prioritise uncovering the root causes of these incidents and strengthening strategic coordination to restore public confidence.”
His appointment fills the vacuum created by the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down earlier in the week.
President Tinubu, while congratulating the new minister, urged him to deploy his “wealth of experience, discipline, and patriotism” to revamp Nigeria’s defence system and ensure the safety of citizens nationwide.
General Musa is expected to brief the President on his immediate action plan in the coming days, with defence stakeholders anticipating decisive measures to stabilise volatile regions, improve troop deployment strategy, and enforce command accountability across the armed forces.
