President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security architecture and consolidate recent gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with senior government officials, military chiefs and dignitaries in attendance.
General Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday, December 1, 2025. The President immediately forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate for confirmation. In a move that underscores the urgency attached to the nation’s security priorities, the Senate screened and confirmed him without delay, paving the way for his formal swearing-in.
A seasoned military officer with an illustrious career, General Musa was born in Sokoto in 1967. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1991 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities across the country and in international assignments. Known for his operational competence and strategic leadership, he earned a reputation as one of the most respected officers of his generation.
In 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Defence Staff, a position he held until his voluntary retirement in October 2025. During his tenure as Defence Chief, General Musa championed inter-service synergy and promoted joint operations among the Army, Navy and Air Force, which contributed significantly to the disruption of several terrorist networks, the recovery of lost territories, and the stabilization of crisis-prone regions.
His return to public service as Minister of Defence is widely seen as a strategic move by the Tinubu administration to ensure continuity, deepen reforms and sustain momentum in the security sector. Analysts say that his experience at the highest level of military command positions him to drive defence modernization, strengthen counterterrorism strategies and enhance coordination between the armed forces and other security agencies.
With his swearing-in, General Musa is expected to assume duty immediately as the administration pushes towards comprehensive reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and strengthening internal security mechanisms. His mandate includes implementing policies that support the welfare of military personnel, improving operational readiness, bolstering intelligence gathering, and expanding regional cooperation to tackle cross-border threats.
The ceremony drew several prominent personalities, reflecting the significance of the moment. Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the delegation of National Assembly leaders, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire. Their presence underscored legislative support for the President’s renewed security agenda.
Also present were key members of the Federal Executive Council, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu also attended, signalling the importance of coordination among security institutions under the new Defence Minister.
General Musa’s family, including his wife, Mrs Lilian Oghogho Musa, attended the ceremony, providing a personal touch to the event. Senior military leaders, such as the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, were also in attendance, highlighting continuity and solidarity within the armed forces.
Prominent figures from Nigeria’s religious and judicial communities also graced the occasion. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, known for his advocacy on national unity and good governance, was present, along with retired Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, further emphasizing the broad national significance attributed to the appointment.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, more stable Nigeria and expressed confidence in the new Defence Minister’s capacity, discipline and patriotism. He noted that the appointment comes at a time when Nigeria must consolidate the progress made in various theatres of operation, while also strengthening institutional mechanisms for intelligence, logistics and inter-agency collaboration.
The President emphasized that General Musa is expected to play a pivotal role in steering defence policy, supervising military operations and ensuring that reforms within the defence sector translate into tangible improvements in the lives and safety of Nigerians. He reiterated his belief that the retired general’s distinguished service record and deep knowledge of Nigeria’s security challenges make him uniquely suited to lead the ministry at this critical moment.
General Musa’s appointment has been widely welcomed by security experts, who describe him as a professional officer with a track record of integrity, discipline and effective leadership. Many say his hands-on experience in counterinsurgency operations, coupled with his strategic insight from years at the top of military command, will be invaluable in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
As he assumes office, stakeholders across the security sector are hopeful that his leadership will continue to inspire confidence, boost morale within the armed forces and support reforms targeted at improving operational efficiency. Nigerians across regions look forward to a strengthened national defence posture capable of confronting emerging threats and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
The swearing-in of General Christopher Musa marks not only a change in leadership at the Ministry of Defence but also reinforces the administration’s message that the security and stability of Nigeria remain an overriding priority. With renewed leadership and a clear mandate, the Tinubu administration aims to build on existing achievements, enhance inter-agency cooperation and ensure that every Nigerian enjoys a safer and more secure nation.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
December 4, 2025
