The Senate on Wednesday have approved the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence after a tense five-hour screening that put recent security failures under sharp scrutiny.
Lawmakers pressed Musa on the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the November 17 abduction of schoolgirls, an episode that ignited widespread national anger. He pledged an immediate, full-scale investigation into the incident upon assumption of office.
Musa also committed to probing the killing of Brigade Commander Musa Uba in Borno State and other targeted attacks on military officers. He described the situation as painful and unacceptable, vowing a decisive, intelligence-driven campaign against terror groups in partnership with security agencies and government institutions.
He identified operational gaps within the armed forces and called for improved funding, community intelligence networks, and better inter-agency coordination. He stressed renewed investment in the Safe Schools Initiative and a zero-tolerance posture toward terrorism and banditry.
The screening was marked by friction. A motion by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) to allow the nominee to “take a bow and go” drew immediate objection, particularly from Senator Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South). Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, insisting on a comprehensive vetting process under the watchful eyes of Nigerians and the international community.
Musa, nominated following the resignation of former Defence Minister Badaru Mohammed on health grounds, affirmed his commitment to safeguarding Nigerians and defending the nation’s territorial integrity. He urged collective participation in the fight against violent groups he described as “evil forces.”
His confirmation comes at a time of heightened national anxiety over kidnappings, insurgency and mass abductions.
