General Christopher Musaon Thursday assumed office as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a swift transition in the nation’s security leadership barely 48 hours after the resignation of his predecessor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar.
At a brief oath-taking ceremony at the State House, Abuja, witness by top government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, President Bola Tinubu described Gen. Musa as a “fine gentleman” whose professional record and years of service equip him to strengthen the country’s integrated security architecture.
The President emphasized that Musa’s appointment aligns with his administration’s drive to consolidate recent gains in defence operations and accelerate reforms aimed at restoring stability nationwide.
Musa, 58, once served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025, a period during which he coordinated major counterterrorism operations and improved collaboration across security agencies.
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His nomination was sent to the Senate on Tuesday and received rapid confirmation on Wednesday after a rigorous screening. Tinubu hailed the speed of the process as a demonstration of the legislature’s support for the nation’s security priorities.
Speaking with State House Correspondents after assuming office, Musa pledged to strengthen synergy among the military, security agencies and the general public to confront terrorism and other forms of insecurity.
“My immediate priority is to ensure that defence fully takes its place in the country,” he said. “The synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and all Nigerians is what we need to build and expand. Security is everybody’s responsibility.”
He expressed gratitude for the support Nigerians have shown him and assured that his leadership would deliver visible results in the shortest possible time.
“I guarantee Nigerians that I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that the country is secured,” he added.
With his swearing-in complete, Musa now takes full charge of defence operations as the Tinubu administration pushes to deepen reforms and drive a more coordinated national security response.
NAN
