The Senate has formally approved the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, concluding an extensive screening session marked by probing questions and renewed scrutiny of the nation’s security architecture.
General Musa’s confirmation on Wednesday, December 3,2025,came a day after President Bola Tinubu nominated him to replace former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed, who stepped down citing health-related concerns.
Lawmakers used the confirmation hearing to press the retired military chief on the worsening security crises across the country, with particular focus on the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State — an action taken shortly before the abduction of dozens of schoolgirls on November 17,2025.
The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation, dominated much of the Senate’s questioning.
Addressing the matter, Musa described the troop withdrawal as “unfortunate and painful,” promising to launch a full-scale investigation immediately after assuming office.
He also pledged to probe the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, the commander murdered recently in Borno State, along with other targeted attacks on military officials.
“We will not stand by and allow terrorists to have the capacity to carry out such acts.
“We are going to go after them fully, working closely with all security agencies and MDAs. There will be a comprehensive investigation, and from the defence sector, we will ensure proper oversight, “he said.
Beyond specific incidents, Musa outlined broader systemic concerns, including operational gaps within the armed forces, inadequate resources, insufficient community collaboration, and weaknesses in inter-agency coordination.
He underscored the need to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative, adopt a zero-tolerance posture toward terrorism and banditry, and ensure secure learning environments nationwide.
The session was not without drama. At one point, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) proposed that the nominee “takes a bow and go,” a suggestion that drew sharp resistance from several senators, including Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South), who insisted on a thorough interrogation given the gravity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio eventually restored order, stressing that Nigerians and international observers expected a transparent and rigorous process.
In his final remarks, General Musa reiterated his commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, emphasising that national security can only be achieved through collective effort.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.
“The enemies we are dealing with are ruthless forces with no regard for human life. If we fail to work together, we will only embolden them, “he stated.
His confirmation comes at a time of escalating insecurity across the country — from insurgency in the North-East to rising cases of kidnappings and mass abductions nationwide — intensifying expectations for decisive action from the incoming defence minister.
