Nigeria's newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has made a firm commitment to deliver swift and measurable progress in the nation's security landscape. He has assured citizens that under his leadership, the armed forces will employ "whatever steps are necessary" to reinstate peace across all regions.
Oath and Immediate Priorities
General Musa made these declarations on Thursday, December 5, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This followed his official swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu. His appointment was confirmed by the Senate the previous day, Wednesday, December 4, succeeding Mohammed Badaru who resigned citing health reasons.
Addressing journalists at the State House, the former Chief of Defence Staff outlined his primary focus. He emphasized that his immediate goal is to fortify internal collaboration within the military and enhance partnerships with other security agencies. Musa stressed that achieving lasting security is a collective duty.
Synergy and Collective Responsibility
"My immediate priority is to ensure that the defence sector fully assumes its responsibilities in the country," the Minister stated. He elaborated on the need for a unified approach: "We need synergy between the armed forces, synergy with other security agencies, and synergy with all Nigerians. Security is everybody’s responsibility."
He promised tangible outcomes, adding, "We will build on that, work on it, and I assure you that within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results." Expressing gratitude for the public support he received after his tenure as CDS, Musa pledged to repay the confidence placed in him with visible action.
President Tinubu's Directives and Public Confidence
Regarding his briefing from President Tinubu, General Musa noted that the Commander-in-Chief underscored the urgent need for Nigerians to feel safe again in every corner of the country. "I just met with Mr President, and he reiterated that we must ensure Nigeria is secure," he said.
He conveyed the President's vision for a return to normalcy: "Nigerians should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, and schools should reopen without fear." Musa called for nationwide involvement to align security efforts with the administration's Renewed Hope agenda.
The appointment ceremony was also attended by Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese. Bishop Kukah expressed optimism, stating that General Musa's emergence signals a renewed and serious approach to tackling insecurity. "We just need the restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible, and I believe this job is in very good hands," Kukah remarked. He added that it was clear President Tinubu aims to reposition security and that the situation is now in capable hands.
General Musa, who also represented the Sultan of Sokoto at the event, concluded with a personal guarantee to the nation: "I guarantee them that I will work — whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secure."
