The Senate has confirmed the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence after five-hour screening by lawmakers.
Penpushing reports that Musa, during the confirmation hearing, faced tough questions on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17, 2025
The screening session recorded moments of tension in the chamber, while a All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator from Niger State Sani Musa suggested that nominee be allowed to take a bow and go.
Penpushing further reports that this suggestion prompted protests from lawmakers, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator from Kebbi State Garba Maidoki, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio had to intervene.
The Senate President emphasized and urged a thorough screening and pointed out that Nigerians and the international community were closely watching the process.
Penpushing also reports that Musa after the screening exercise assured the Senate that he would immediately set up a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
The new Minister equally vowed to probe the recent killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, Brigadier General Musa Uba, and other attacks targeting military officers, describing the incident as unfortunate.
“It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such. We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
“I pledge to do my best to ensure that Nigeria is secure and safe. We need the support of everyone, every Nigerian, working together as a team, because it’s going to be a team effort’, he added.
“The enemies we are dealing with are evil forces that don’t mean well for this country and have no respect for human lives… If we don’t work together, we will allow them to perpetrate the evil acts they have been doing’, Musa stated
Penpushing reports that he highlighted gaps within the armed forces and called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations, emphasised the need to protect schools through the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and banditry.
The former Chief of Defence Staff, it would be recalled was nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.
Meanwhile, Musa’s confirmation comes amid heightened concerns over nationwide kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions.
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