By Deborah Nnamdi
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence after an intense five-hour screening session.
General Musa’s confirmation came barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu forwarded his name to the upper chamber for approval. His appointment arrives at a time when the country is grappling with escalating insecurity, marked by frequent mass abductions — including the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, where troops reportedly withdrew shortly before the attack.
Addressing lawmakers during the screening, Musa pledged to immediately investigate the alleged troop withdrawal, stressing that the Armed Forces have “no reputation for cowardice.”
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and MDAs,” he said, dressed in a brown kaftan and hula cap and accompanied by family members. “We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and from the defence, we will ensure proper oversight of their activities.”
Musa assured the Senate of his commitment to strengthening national security and restoring public confidence in the military’s operations.
