President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
Musa arrived at the forecourt of the State House, Abuja, at approximately 3:47 p.m. and was immediately ushered into the President’s office, where he took the oath of office on Thursday.
His appointment comes after the Senate confirmed him as Minister of Defence on Wednesday, following a rigorous five-hour screening session.
During the session, Musa faced questions on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, just before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
Musa assured lawmakers that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
He also pledged to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, as well as attacks on other senior military officers.
Musa succeeds former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who resigned reportedly due to health reasons.
A former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, Musa also served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, overseeing joint operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit networks before retiring in October.
A career infantry officer, Musa brings extensive experience from command and staff postings across multiple formations and tri-service headquarters, with expertise in field operations, training, and joint operational planning.
