Nigeria's newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has officially assumed his duties, declaring an urgent need to end the violence and killings plaguing the nation. His resumption comes just one day after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu.
Immediate Action and Urgent Mandate
General Christopher Musa resumed office at the Ministry of Defence on Friday, December 5, 2025. His first official act was to convene a meeting with the nation's service chiefs, who formally welcomed him to his new role. The meeting, captured in a now-viral video, set the tone for his tenure.
Addressing the military heads, the former Chief of Defence Staff emphasized that time is of the essence. He stated that the ministry must immediately begin working to halt the widespread insecurity. "We do not have time, we are going to continue to hit the ground running," General Musa asserted, reinforcing that the ministry cannot afford to fail in its mandate to protect citizens.
Context of Appointment and Security Emergency
General Musa's appointment follows the resignation of the former minister, Abubakar Badaru. President Tinubu announced his nomination as minister-designate on Monday, December 1, after a private meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He was formally sworn in on Thursday, December 4.
This transition occurs against a backdrop of severe security challenges. In the month following General Musa's removal as Chief of Defence Staff in a security overhaul, Nigeria witnessed a spike in violent incidents. These included the kidnapping of 300 pupils and 15 teachers in Niger State, abductions of students in Kebbi, attacks on church worshippers in Kwara, and numerous banditry-related killings and kidnappings.
The deteriorating situation prompted President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security, ordering massive recruitment into the police and military and advocating for constitutional amendments to allow state police.
Military Pledges Support and Political Backing
Responding to the new minister's charge, his successor as Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, assured that the military would collectively support General Musa's administration. This show of solidarity is crucial for a coordinated security response.
The appointment has also garnered political support. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State publicly commended President Tinubu's decision to nominate General Musa, highlighting the significance of placing a seasoned security expert in the role during a national crisis.
As General Musa settles into his new office, the nation watches with expectation, hoping his leadership will translate into decisive action against the threats to Nigeria's peace and stability.
