The Senate on Wednesday approved the appointment of retired Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after an intensive five-hour screening session.
During the exercise, lawmakers pressed Musa on recent security failures, particularly the withdrawal of soldiers from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—an action taken shortly before the abduction of several students on November 17, which triggered widespread public outrage.
In response, the defence minister-designate promised to launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
Musa also pledged to look into the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a brigade commander murdered in Borno State, along with other attacks targeting military personnel.
He said, “It is heartbreaking and unacceptable. I assure Nigerians that we will not allow terrorists to operate with such freedom. We will pursue them relentlessly, working closely with all security agencies and relevant government institutions. We will thoroughly investigate these incidents.”
He further pointed out existing weaknesses within the armed forces and called for improved funding, stronger collaboration among security agencies, and increased community involvement.
Musa underscored the importance of safeguarding schools through the Safe Schools Initiative, adopting a zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism and banditry.
The screening was not without tension. A suggestion by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) that the nominee be allowed to “take a bow and go” was met with resistance from some lawmakers, including Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stepped in, insisting that the nominee must undergo a detailed screening, noting that both Nigerians and international observers were keenly following the process.
Nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu after the former Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, stepped down for health-related reasons, Musa assured the Senate that he is committed to protecting Nigeria’s citizens and territorial integrity.
“I pledge to do everything within my power to ensure the safety and security of this nation. But we cannot succeed without the cooperation of all Nigerians. The threats we face are from forces determined to destroy lives and destabilize the country. Without unity, we give them room to continue their evil acts,” he said.
His confirmation comes at a time when the country is battling rising incidents of kidnapping, insurgency, and mass abductions.
