Nigerians’ll enjoy improved security, new defence minister pledges

President Bola Tinubu swears in General Christopher Musa (rtd) as the Minister of Defence, at the State House, Abuja. Thursday, December 4, 2025. Photo: State House

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Newly sworn-in Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Thursday, vowed rapid gains against insecurity, saying Nigerians would see results in the shortest possible time as he rebuilds synergy across the security architecture.

He also pledged to do “whatever it takes” to protect the lives of Nigerians.

“I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” Musa told State House correspondents after taking the oath of office before President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The new defense minister said he would restore and strengthen collaboration within the armed forces and among security agencies.

“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies is important, and [I will ensure that] all Nigerians are carried along.

“As I have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility. It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we’re going to do,” he affirmed.

The former Chief of Defence Staff noted that he was returning to a familiar terrain, pledging to channel the goodwill he has received into tangible outcomes.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.

Musa also revealed that the President charged him with delivering security that is felt in homes, farms, and schools nationwide.

“I just met Mr President, and he reiterated his view that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured. Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, and schools should operate without being molested. Everyone will be carried along to ensure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope Programme of Mr. President,” he explained.

Musa’s remarks came barely 24 hours after his five-hour Senate screening and eventual confirmation on Wednesday.

He succeeds Mohammed Badaru, who served from August 28, 2023, until his resignation on December 1, 2025.

It was Musa’s second visit to the Villa this week. At 7:03 p.m. (local time) on Monday, our correspondent sighted him being ushered into the premises to see the President. Tinubu announced his nomination the next day, Tuesday. On Thursday, he arrived at the Villa at about 3:47 pm to be sworn in.

His appointment came barely two months after his retirement in a broad shake-up of the military high command on October 24, 2025.

General Musa, 58, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a second lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3, Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region.

In 2021, Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

His return to the security council comes a month after United States President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and threatened military action over alleged mass killings of Christians.

It also comes amid a sharp rise in mass abductions and attacks across several states. The PUNCH reports that, in the past fortnight, gunmen have stormed schools and worship centres in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara, kidnapping at least 490 persons.

With three years of experience, Stephen, The PUNCH correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

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