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| General Christopher Musa (rtd) |
The Nigerian Senate confirmed retired General Christopher Musa as the new Minister of Defence on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, following a thorough and intense five-hour screening session by lawmakers.
During the hearing, Musa faced sharp questioning over recent security challenges, notably the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, an action that preceded the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17, igniting nationwide outrage.
In response, Musa pledged to launch a comprehensive investigation into the troop withdrawal immediately upon taking office. He also committed to probing the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other attacks targeting military officers.
He said, “It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully
“The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
The nominee highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.
He also emphasised the need to protect schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.
The screening session, according to Punch report, saw moments of tension in the chamber.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) was said to have suggested Musa be allowed to “take a bow and go,” prompting protests from lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, intervened, urging a thorough screening and noting that Nigerians and the international community were closely watching the process.
Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe.
“We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort.
“The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives… If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing,” he said.
His confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions.
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