President Bola Tinubu has sworn in the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru from the position on Monday amid worsening security challenges across the country.
Following Badaru’s resignation, President Tinubu promptly nominated General Musa, sending his name to the National Assembly for clearance and confirmation. Musa appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, where he was thoroughly questioned by senators on security matters before being confirmed.
At the brief but solemn swearing-in ceremony, President Tinubu charged the new minister to leverage his extensive operational experience, strategic depth, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture. He emphasized that under Musa’s leadership, the Defence Ministry must prioritise inter-service synergy, accelerate reforms, sustain ongoing joint operations, ensure transparency in procurement, improve welfare for personnel, and deepen inter-agency cooperation.
General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff until June, is widely recognised for his leadership in counterterrorism operations in the North-East and oversight of nationwide military engagements. He pledged unwavering commitment to the President’s vision for a safer and more stable Nigeria, promising to enhance operational efficiency, modernize defence capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies.
“We will not relent. We will sustain the pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure that peace returns to every community,” Musa stated, stressing his focus on troop morale, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities.
Following the induction, senior officials, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.
Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.