Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) has been officially confirmed as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after a five-hour Senate screening on Wednesday.
During the session, he urged the government to establish a national database and tracking system to monitor ransom payments and identify criminal networks.
The former Chief of Defence Staff stressed that Nigeria must adopt basic security systems used in developed countries. He noted that the lack of a centralized citizen database enables criminals to operate and relocate easily.
Musa also called for the use of ICT tools to trace financial transactions, track ransom flows, and link citizens’ digital activities to a unified national system. According to him, dismantling the financial structure of kidnappers is essential to reducing crime.
Musa further advocated stricter punishments for terrorism and kidnapping, citing countries in the Middle East where offenders face severe penalties. He criticized lengthy court processes for kidnapping cases, arguing that they weaken deterrence.
The Senate is currently reviewing amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, including a proposal introducing the death penalty for kidnappers and individuals who finance or facilitate their operations.
