President Bola Tinubu has formally sworn in former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
Musa was sworn in as the Minister of Defence during a brief ceremony that was presided over by Tinubu and held at the State House on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
It was gathered that Musa arrived at the forecourt of the Villa at about 3:47 p.m. and was ushered into the President’s office.
Shortly after the induction, senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; service chiefs; and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.
He is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins the task of reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.
This appointment means Musa has replaced Mohammed Badaru Abubakar who recently resigned from the position over health issues.
Recall also that Musa was sworn in as Minister of Defence after he underwent a rigorous five-hour screening before the Senate.
Answering questions from lawmakers during the screening, Musa assured Nigerians of his commitment to serve Nigeria diligently if confirmed as a minister.
Musa stated: “I believe that the challenges we are facing are a Nigerian challenge, not only for the armed forces or security forces, but for everyone working together.
“I want to assure you, we will win working together as a team. Even when I was CDS, I tried to harmonise all the teams and service chiefs.
“There are a lot of gaps and constitutional lacunae that are affecting operations. We will follow up to make sure everyone is on board.
“There should be no negotiation with criminals. If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. They use the money to buy more arms,” he said.
During the session, the former CDS was grilled over recent security lapses, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before schoolgirls were abducted on November 17.
He told lawmakers he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes duty.
Musa also vowed to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks on senior military officers.
Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, reportedly on health grounds.
Musa is a former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the North-East counter-insurgency, and later served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, coordinating joint operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP and bandit networks before his retirement this October.
A career infantry officer, he previously held command and staff postings across multiple formations and tri-service headquarters, giving him experience that spans field combat, training, and joint operational planning.
