Newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), on Thursday pledged rapid gains in the nation’s fight against insecurity, assuring Nigerians that tangible results would be seen in the shortest possible time.
Musa, who took his oath of office before President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, said his mandate focuses on tackling kidnappers, bandits, and criminal elements to ensure citizens can live, farm, and attend schools without fear.
“I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” Musa told State House correspondents. “Security is everybody’s responsibility, and I will do whatever it takes to secure lives.”
He emphasized restoring synergy within the armed forces and among security agencies, adding that a coordinated approach is vital to national safety.
“My immediate priority is to ensure that defence fully assumes its role, and that all Nigerians are carried along in these efforts,” he said, noting that the President directed him to guarantee nationwide security.
Musa’s appointment comes barely 24 hours after a five-hour Senate screening and confirmation. He succeeded Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on December 1, 2025. The minister, 58, retired from active service in October 2025 after a distinguished career, including serving as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023.
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Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy and rose through various military commands, including Operation Lafiya Dole and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region. He has received multiple recognitions, including the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
The swearing-in drew endorsements from key figures, including Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who described the appointment as a step toward repositioning national security.
“It’s clear the President wants to restore normalcy, and this job is in very good hands,” Kukah said. He added that security must be restored “by any means possible” and welcomed signals of an overhaul in the country’s security architecture.
Sani Shinkafi, former APC governorship candidate in Zamfara State, also commended President Tinubu’s decision, describing Musa’s appointment as timely and “well deserved.” He urged the scrapping of the Minister of State for Defence position, arguing that unified leadership is critical to combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy, and kidnapping.
Shinkafi called on adequate funding and motivation for the military, stressing that only experienced personnel with strong military backgrounds can effectively coordinate national defence.
