Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s defence minister amid rising insecurity
The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed General Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as the country’s new Minister of Defence, following an extensive five-hour screening session on Wednesday.
The confirmation comes at a time when the nation faces escalating security challenges, including repeated mass abductions and rising incidents of ransom-driven kidnappings.
General Musa, who served as CDS from June 2023 to October 2025, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu a day before the Senate’s approval.
The screening took place amid heightened public concern over security failures, particularly in schools.
A recent example involved the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, where troops reportedly withdrew shortly before attackers struck.
Addressing lawmakers, Musa vowed to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding such security lapses.
“We are going to pursue this matter thoroughly, in collaboration with all relevant security agencies,” he said, adding that the Armed Forces would continue to operate under strict oversight from the Ministry of Defence.
Musa emphasised that technology would play a critical role in countering insecurity.
He called for the establishment of comprehensive databases to monitor activities and track ransom payments, which he identified as a significant factor fueling criminal operations.
“We must stop ransom payments. When they occur, we should be able to trace the money to prevent further attacks,” he stated.
The new Defence Minister also ruled out negotiating with criminals, asserting that such actions provide perpetrators with time to regroup and acquire weapons.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who oversaw the screening, expressed strong support for Musa’s approach.
Akpabio criticised negotiations with terrorists, describing them as ineffective and costly to society.
Drawing on his experience as a former governor, he noted that deradicalizing criminals often fails because communities reject them, leaving offenders likely to return to criminal activities.
“The Senate stands firmly against paying ransoms or rehabilitating terrorists with public funds,” Akpabio said, pledging legislative support for measures that strengthen national security.
He also called for faster judicial processes for criminal cases to ensure swift justice.
General Musa’s confirmation filled the vacancy left by former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who resigned due to ill health.
In his acceptance, Musa reassured Nigerians of his commitment to security reform and promised coordinated efforts among all branches of government to restore safety and confidence across communities.
