Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Senate has confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following a five-hour screening session held on Wednesday.
His confirmation came a day after President Bola Tinubu forwarded his name to the Senate for consideration.
The former CDS, who recently left office, will now lead the Ministry of Defence at a time when security challenges—particularly the abduction of students in schools—are worsening across the country.
His appearance before lawmakers followed the abduction of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, an incident that attracted criticism due to reports that troops stationed in the area withdrew shortly before the attackers struck.
Speaking on the issue during his screening, Musa said that investigating the troop withdrawal would be one of the first tasks he would pursue in office, stressing that the Nigerian military does not run away from its responsibilities.
We will go after them fully, working hand in hand with all security agencies and the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies of government.
The minister-designate, who was accompanied by family members, further emphasised that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
We will investigate it completely. The Armed Forces have their procedures, and from the defence sector we will ensure proper oversight of their activities,” he said.
General Musa pledged that his leadership would strengthen coordination among security institutions to tackle the rising security challenges across the country.
