The Senate on Wednesday confirmed retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a swift transition from his recent military service into a key role within President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
The confirmation followed an extensive screening session during plenary, during which lawmakers questioned Gen. Musa on pressing national security concerns, military reforms, counterterrorism strategies, and Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency and banditry. His responses were met with broad approval, leading the Senate to confirm him through a voice vote.
Gen. Musa, who retired from active service just 40 days ago, was nominated on Tuesday by President Tinubu to replace former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned this week on health grounds. The President’s formal request for Musa’s confirmation was transmitted to the Senate immediately after the nomination.
Before his retirement, Musa served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to 2025, where he oversaw major military operations across the country, including North-East counterinsurgency campaigns and joint task force activities in conflict-prone regions.
With his confirmation, Gen. Musa is expected to assume office immediately and play a central role in implementing President Tinubu’s newly declared national security emergency, aimed at strengthening military response, improving inter-agency coordination, and restoring stability in communities affected by violence nationwide.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa is a distinguished Nigerian Army officer whose military career spans more than three decades of exemplary service, strategic leadership, and frontline command experience across Nigeria’s most challenging security theatres. Widely respected for his discipline, operational expertise, and commitment to national service, he has held some of the highest command positions in the Nigerian Armed Forces, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from 2023 to 2025.
Early Life and Military Education
Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto, General Musa completed his primary and secondary education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria. He was admitted into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 38th Regular Course in 1986.
He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant, beginning a career marked by steady progression through merit, professionalism, and operational excellence.
Over the course of his service, General Musa attended numerous professional military courses both locally and internationally. These included:
- Young Officers Course (Infantry)
- Junior and Senior Staff Courses
- Commanding Officers Course
- Several leadership, counterterrorism, and operational strategy programs
His training laid the foundation for his rise as one of Nigeria’s most respected operational commanders.
Key Military Appointments
General Musa’s career includes some of the most strategic command, staff, and instructional roles in the Nigerian Army. His notable appointments include:
▪ General Staff Officer 1 (Training/Operations), HQ 81 Division
He coordinated operational planning and troop deployment in Lagos and Ogun States, contributing to internal security stability in the region.
▪ Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion
He led the battalion during critical security operations, strengthening troop discipline and combat readiness.
▪ Assistant Director (Operational Requirements), Department of Army Policy and Plans
He contributed to Army-wide policy formulation, equipment needs assessment, and long-term military planning.
▪ Infantry Representative, Training Team – HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps
He served in strategic training development roles, helping to improve inter-corps coordination and combat efficiency.
▪ Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations), Infantry Corps & Centre
He played a central role in shaping infantry doctrine and overseeing training programs crucial to Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts.
Operational Commands
General Musa is most celebrated for his field commands in Nigeria’s major operational theatres:
▪ Commander, Sector 3 – Operation Lafiya Dole
He was responsible for defending the Lake Chad region, one of the most volatile fronts in the fight against Boko Haram.
▪ Commander, Sector 3 – Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
Working with forces from Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, he strengthened regional counterterrorism coordination and elevated Nigeria’s international military cooperation.
▪ Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (2021–2022)
This remains one of his most notable roles. As Theatre Commander, he led Nigeria’s largest military operation, overseeing counterterrorism, stabilization efforts, and community reintegration programs across the North-East.
Under his command, the operation recorded significant gains, including:
- Increased clearance operations
- Surrender of thousands of insurgents
- Recovery of weapons and assets
- Improved troop morale
- Better civil-military relations in liberated communities
▪ Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps
He modernised infantry training programs and improved equipment readiness across Army formations.
Chief of Defence Staff (2023–2025)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed General Musa as Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023. As the nation’s top military officer, he oversaw:
- Joint military operational reforms
- Strengthening of inter-service cooperation
- Intensified counter-banditry operations
- Strategic defence diplomacy
- Modernisation of Nigeria’s defence architecture
His tenure was marked by improved troop coordination, enhanced intelligence sharing, and renewed efforts to stabilise conflict-prone regions.
Awards and Honours
General Musa’s service has earned him numerous decorations, including:
- Colin Powell Award for Soldiering (2012) – an international recognition of military excellence
- Forces Service Star (FSS)
- Meritorious Service Star (MSS)
- Distinguished Service Star (DSS)
- General Operations Medal
- Operation Lafiya Dole Medal
- Operation Hadin Kai Medal
- Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
He is widely regarded as a courageous, disciplined, and strategic commander whose humility and professionalism continue to inspire younger officers.
Personal Life
General Musa is married and blessed with children. He is known for his calm demeanour, spirituality, and commitment to mentorship within the military. His leadership style blends firmness with empathy, and he is widely respected across the armed forces.
