President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence, charging him to immediately restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The brief ceremony, held at the State House, Abuja, came barely 24 hours after the Senate confirmed the former CDS following a tense five-hour screening session dominated by questions on rising insecurity and alleged operational failures under his watch.
Musa, who replaces Mohammed Badaru after his resignation reportedly on health grounds, told lawmakers during the screening that he would order a full-scale probe into the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—an action taken shortly before armed men abducted schoolgirls on November 17.
He said the troop pullout “must be interrogated thoroughly,” promising to open investigations as soon as he assumes office.
The former military chief also vowed to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Musa Uba, in Borno State, alongside other recent deadly attacks on senior military officers, describing the incidents as “unacceptable lapses that demand accountability.”
His appointment comes at a time of persistent security concerns across the country, with growing public agitation over banditry, insurgency, and targeted attacks on military formations.
Musa, known for his frontline experience in the North-East theatre of war, is expected to lead a fresh overhaul of defence operations amid calls for improved intelligence coordination and better troop welfare.
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