The recent nomination of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the resignation of Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has received praise from military experts and Nigerians. Many expressed satisfaction that someone with military experience and intelligence has been chosen for the position.
Newsregion has compiled a detailed profile of General Christopher Musa, covering his age, origin, background, military career, ranks, and family.
Profile Summary of General Christopher Musa
Full Name: General Christopher Gwabin Musa (OFR)
Age: 58 years old (Born December 25, 1967)
State of Origin: Kaduna State (Zangon Kataf LGA)
Place of Birth: Sokoto, North-West Nigeria
Military Rank: General (Retired)
Highest Military Position: 18th Chief of Defence Staff (June 2023 – October 2025)
Commissioned: Second Lieutenant, Nigerian Army (September 21, 1991)
Current Position: Minister of Defence (Nominated December 2, 2025)
Family Background
General Musa is married to a Home Economics graduate, Lilian Oghogho, from Delta State. Information about their children is not publicly available, but he is known to have a family.
Military Education and Academic Background
General Musa has undergone extensive military training both in Nigeria and abroad. He is regarded as an exceptional and well-trained officer.
Educational achievements include:
- Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), 38th Regular Course – B.Sc (Hons) 1991
- University of Lagos – Advanced Diploma in Security Management (2007–2008)
- National Defence University, China – Master of Science (Military Science)
- International College of Defence Studies (2012–2013)
- U.S. Army War College – Combined Joint Land Component Commander’s Course on Leadership (2017)
His 34-year military career (1986–2025) features key operational roles, especially in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions.
Military Positions Held
- Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (2021) – Led anti-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
- Commander, Sector 3 – Operation Lafiya Dole.
- Commander, Sector 3 – Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) overseeing joint operations in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
- Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
- Chief of Defence Staff (2023–2025) – Coordinated all military activities and defence strategy in Nigeria.
Awards and Honours
- Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
- Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering (2012)
- Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award (2022)
Senate Screening
The Nigerian Senate is set to screen General Musa following his nomination as Minister of Defence. Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed that the screening will take place on Wednesday. He stated that the exercise is crucial for national security and internal stability.
President Tinubu sent Musa’s name to the Senate after the resignation of former Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down due to health concerns. The screening is expected to proceed immediately during plenary in accordance with the Constitution.
Bamidele emphasized that the current security challenges require close collaboration between the executive and legislature, and that Musa’s screening is a key step toward strengthening national defence.
Expectations as General Musa Takes Office
- Military Reforms: Nigerians expect improvements in the welfare of soldiers, especially those on the frontline who have complained about living conditions and supplies.
- Combatting Terrorism and Banditry: He is expected to lead strategic operations against terrorists and bandits who have recently escalated attacks.
- Technological Advancement: Strengthening the use of technology in defence operations, including intelligence, surveillance, and equipment procurement.
- Collaboration with Minister of State for Defence: General Musa, now superior to Bello Matawalle, is expected to maintain smooth cooperation for efficiency and national security progress.
