The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of retired General Christopher Musa as the country’s new Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening session.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, faced lawmakers’ probing questions on the nation’s security challenges, including recent troop withdrawals and attacks on military personnel.
Scrutiny Over Security Failures
During the confirmation hearing, Musa was questioned about recent security lapses, notably the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
The withdrawal occurred shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17, an incident that sparked national outrage.
General Musa told senators, “I want to assure Nigerians that we will immediately set up a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal. We cannot allow such lapses to continue.”
Commitment to Protect Military Personnel
The nominee also addressed the recent killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, pledging to investigate attacks targeting military officers.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such,” he said.
He added: “We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies. We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and from the defence ministry, we are going to make sure we continue oversight over their activities.”
Highlighting Gaps and Solutions
General Musa highlighted existing gaps in the armed forces and called for improved funding, stronger community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.
He stressed the importance of protecting schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and adopting a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.
Tensions During Screening
The screening session saw tense moments in the Senate chamber. Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested Musa be allowed to “take a bow and go,” prompting protests from lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, urging a thorough screening.
“Nigerians and the international community are closely watching this process. We must do our due diligence,” he said.
Pledges and National Security Focus
Nominated by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed on health grounds, Musa pledged to prioritise national security.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. “We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort, he said. “The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives… If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,”
Musa’s confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency, and mass abductions.