Senate confirms General Christopher Musa as defence minister

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

The Senate has, moments ago, confirmed retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, sealing his return to the federal security leadership barely months after completing his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier today transmitted Musa’s name to the upper chamber, prompting an emergency screening session that lasted several hours. Lawmakers suspended their rules to fast-track the process, signalling the urgency surrounding the country’s deepening security crisis.

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During the screening, Musa addressed concerns on terrorism, banditry, mass kidnappings and the rising boldness of criminal networks. He pledged to strengthen joint operations across the armed forces, enhance intelligence coordination, and push for a nationwide security database to track threats more effectively. He also emphasised the need to discourage ransom payments, warning that such funds directly fuel criminal activities.

His performance received bipartisan commendation, with several senators describing him as decisive, experienced, and “ready for the job from day one.”
General Musa, who served as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025, replaces former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned from office due to health-related concerns.

With his confirmation now complete, Musa is expected to assume office immediately and lead Nigeria’s defence establishment at a time when communities across several states are experiencing heightened attacks.