Tinubu Swears in Ex-CDS Musa as Defence Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday swore in retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking the formal assumption of a key cabinet role by a former top military officer.

The ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, shortly after the Senate confirmed Musa’s appointment following a five-hour screening session.

Musa, who until his retirement in October 2025 served as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), arrived at the forecourt of the Villa at about 3:47 p.m. and was escorted into the President’s office to take the oath of office.

The swearing-in comes less than 48 hours after the resignation of his predecessor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.

At the Senate screening the previous day, senators asked Musa to account for recent security lapses, including a troop withdrawal from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls, and the killing of a senior officer, Brig-Gen. Musa Uba, in Borno State.

In response, Musa vowed to launch full-scale investigations into the incidents, stressing that “no act of indolence or cowardice will be tolerated” and promising to hold any culpable persons accountable.

During the swearing-in, President Tinubu described Musa as a “fine gentleman” whose track record places him in strong stead to lead the Defence Ministry, emphasizing the need for renewed synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies.

Musa, speaking to State House correspondents after the oath-taking, pledged to work “whatever it takes” to secure Nigeria and called for public cooperation. He promised swift reforms aimed at improving coordination among the armed forces and other security bodies, signalling readiness to tackle the country’s deep-rooted security challenges.