ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in retired General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, marking a significant step in the administration’s renewed efforts to strengthen national security.
The brief swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, coming just a day after the Senate subjected Musa to a rigorous five-hour screening before confirming his nomination.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared images of the oath-taking on his X handle.
Speaking with reporters shortly after taking office, Musa pledged to secure the nation and assured Nigerians that they would soon begin to see tangible improvements in the fight against insecurity.
It is that synergy we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we are going to do. I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results, he said.
He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Nigerians, promising to give his utmost effort to restore safety across the country.
Musa’s appointment comes at a critical time as Nigeria battles rising cases of kidnapping, mass abductions, banditry, and other security threats.
International pressure has also intensified, with former U.S. President Donald Trump recently warning of possible military action over what he described as the mass killing of Christians in Nigeria.
During his Senate screening, the former Chief of Defence Staff lamented the growing trend of kidnapping for ransom, stressing that improved technology and a comprehensive national database would aid in tracking criminal activities.
He argued strongly against negotiating with terrorists or paying ransoms, warning that such payments fuel criminal enterprises.
President Tinubu nominated Musa on Tuesday to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Defence Minister.
The 57-year-old ex-CDS was subsequently screened and confirmed on Wednesday and now takes on one of the most strategic roles in Nigeria’s security architecture.
With his return to government, General Musa is expected to drive new strategies aimed at confronting longstanding security challenges and restoring stability across the country
