The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following a rigorous five-hour screening that placed recent security failures under sharp scrutiny.
Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu after the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed on health grounds, faced tough questioning from lawmakers over escalating insecurity, particularly the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17 an incident that provoked national outrage.
Addressing the chamber, Musa promised a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal as soon as he assumes office.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful,” he said. “I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such. We are going after them fully… We are going to investigate fully.”
He also vowed to probe the recent killing of a senior military officer, Brigadier General Musa Uba, in Borno State, alongside other targeted attacks on military personnel in the North-East.
The retired general highlighted operational and structural gaps within the armed forces, calling for improved funding, stronger community engagement, and more coordinated inter-agency operations. He reiterated support for the Safe Schools Initiative, saying school protection would be a top priority under his leadership.
Tensions briefly flared during the screening when Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) suggested the nominee be allowed to “take a bow and go.” The proposal was met with swift objections, including from Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South), who insisted on a deeper interrogation given the gravity of ongoing security threats.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio sided with those seeking a thorough assessment, noting that both Nigerians and international observers were closely monitoring the process.
In his closing remarks, Musa pledged to prioritise the protection of lives, national territory, and public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe,” he said. “We need the support of everyone… The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives.”
His confirmation comes at a time of heightened concern over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency, and mass abductions, intensifying expectations for a decisive shift in Nigeria’s security strategy.