The Senate has confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after a five-hour screening session on Wednesday. His confirmation followed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination sent to the upper chamber on Tuesday.
Musa assumes office at a time when insecurity—especially school abductions—is worsening nationwide. His screening came shortly after the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, amid reports that troops withdrew from the area shortly before the attack.
Responding to lawmakers’ questions, Musa said investigating the reported troop withdrawal would be one of his first actions in office. He stressed that the Nigerian military does not abandon its responsibilities and promised a full probe into the incident.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all security agencies,” he said, adding that the Armed Forces would strengthen coordination to address growing security threats.
General Musa pledged to enhance inter-agency collaboration and reinforce oversight within the Defence Ministry to improve the country’s security response.
