The Senate on Wednesday approved the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
The confirmation rounded off a lengthy and highly scrutinised five-hour session that placed national security concerns at the centre of debate.
Lawmakers subjected the nominee to probing questions on a series of recent security failures, most notably the controversial withdrawal of soldiers from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before armed men abducted several students on 17 November, an incident that triggered widespread public anger.
Musa told the chamber he would immediately order a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the troop withdrawal once he assumes office, stressing that lapses of such magnitude demand full accountability.
He also addressed the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State and other violent attacks on military personnel, describing the developments as deeply troubling.
Musa said the armed forces cannot permit terrorists to operate with such boldness and vowed that, working jointly with all security institutions, he would pursue those responsible and ensure detailed inquiries into every incident.
The retired general acknowledged lingering structural weaknesses within the security architecture, calling for increased funding, stronger collaboration among security agencies, and deeper partnerships with local communities to enhance intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
He also underscored the urgent need to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative, warning that too many learning centres remain exposed to violent attacks.
Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of Nigerian lives and territorial integrity.
He said he would give his utmost to restore safety across the country, noting that terrorism and banditry thrive only when national institutions and citizens fail to work together.
Musa warned that Nigeria faces adversaries who do not value human life and said unity of purpose is essential to ending their violence.
His confirmation comes at a time of escalating insecurity marked by frequent kidnappings, insurgent attacks and mass abductions, raising expectations that his tenure will bring renewed vigour to Nigeria’s security strategy.
