President Bola Tinubu has placed Nigeria’s security overhaul in the hands of retired General Christopher Musa, swearing him in on Thursday as the nation confronts some of its most severe internal security challenges in years.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, came less than 24 hours after the Senate subjected the former Chief of Defence Staff to an extended screening session that stretched over five hours before confirming his nomination.
Musa steps into the role at a decisive moment. Nigeria is grappling with persistent banditry, a resurgence of mass abductions, and widening kidnapping networks issues that have drawn growing domestic frustration and international concern.
The situation escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump openly warned that Washington could consider military action over what he described as the “mass slaughter of Christians,” a comment that rattled diplomatic circles and placed additional pressure on Abuja to act swiftly.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Musa pledged to pursue a results-driven approach, stressing that renewed cooperation among security agencies—and with citizens would be essential.
“I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.
“The public has shown me tremendous support, and I intend to repay that confidence by doing whatever is necessary to secure this country, ” he told reporters.
The retired general has long argued that technology must play a central role in security operations, a position he reiterated during his Senate screening.
He maintained that ransom payments fuel criminal operations and insisted that negotiations with kidnappers only deepen the nation’s vulnerabilities.
According to him, a comprehensive national database where individuals’ electronic activities are traceable, would enable security agencies to track illicit transactions, disrupt ransom networks, and reduce the financial incentives that sustain bandit gangs.
Musa’s return to a top security role marks a rapid comeback after serving as Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025.
His nomination came just a day after the sudden resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, leaving one of the federal government’s most critical portfolios vacant.
In his letter to the Senate earlier in the week, President Tinubu expressed unwavering confidence in Musa’s capacity to stabilise Nigeria’s security landscape.
That endorsement set the stage for Musa’s confirmation and subsequent swearing-in swift steps reflecting the government’s urgency to fill the strategic position.
With his appointment now formalised, Musa faces immediate pressure to deliver.
Communities across the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South are demanding firmer action as criminal groups expand their operations.
National lawmakers and international observers are equally watching how the new defence chief will reposition Nigeria’s security architecture.
As Musa assumes office, analysts said his approach—centred on technology, intelligence coordination, and a firm stance against ransom payments—will be tested almost instantly.
