Tinubu Swears Musa as Defence Minister, Vows Investigations into Military Failures

Tinubu Swears Musa as Defence Minister, Vows Investigations into Military Failures

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in General Christopher Musa (retd.), the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, as new Minister of Defence.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the State House in Abuja, where Musa took the oath of office in the presence of the President. He arrived at the Presidential Villa forecourt at approximately 3:47 p.m. and was ushered directly into the President’s office for the formal proceedings.

General Musa’s appointment follows his confirmation by the Senate on Wednesday after a rigorous five-hour screening session. During the hearing, he was questioned on recent security failures, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State just before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.

He assured the Senate he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the troop pullout. Musa also pledged to probe the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba in Borno State and other attacks targeting senior military officers.

A decorated infantry officer, Musa brings extensive operational and command experience to the role. He previously served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the military’s major counter-insurgency effort in the Northeast, before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff, a role in which he coordinated joint operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits until his retirement in October 2025.

His nomination came after the resignation of the former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down earlier this month citing health reasons.