Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has emphasized the urgent need for a seasoned and experienced leader to take charge of Nigeria's Defence Ministry. This call comes in the wake of the resignation of the former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down citing health reasons.
Badaru's Exit and a Call for Experience
The resignation of Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru was confirmed on Monday, December 2, 2025, by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. President Bola Tinubu accepted the resignation and thanked Badaru for his service to the nation.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Senator Shehu Sani stated that the circumstances of the minister's departure were less important than the critical need for a capable successor. "Whether the Defence minister resigned or was removed, the Defence Ministry needs an experienced hand to lead in view of the exigencies of today," Sani wrote.
He bolstered his argument by referencing Nigeria's historical military contributions, noting the nation's participation in the First and Second World Wars and peacekeeping missions in countries like the DRC Congo, Tanzania, Lebanon, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Sudan. "The nation should be able to defend itself against these criminal bandits and terrorists," he asserted, linking the appointment to the country's ongoing security challenges.
Tinubu's Nomination: General Christopher Gwabin Musa
In a swift move to fill the vacancy, President Bola Tinubu, on the same day as Sani's comments, nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence. The President forwarded Musa's name to the Senate for confirmation in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
General Musa, 58, is a highly decorated officer with an extensive military career. He served as the Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. His accolades include the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering, which he received in 2012.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa had his early education in Nigeria before graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1991 as a Second Lieutenant. His career path includes several strategic command and staff positions:
- General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division.
- Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion.
- Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans.
- Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps.
- Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.
- Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai.
- Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
Confidence in a New Security Framework
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in General Musa's capability to lead the ministry effectively. The President believes Musa's vast experience will be instrumental in strengthening Nigeria's national security framework during a period marked by significant threats from non-state actors.
The nomination now awaits the scrutiny and confirmation of the Nigerian Senate, which will determine if General Musa's profile aligns with the "experienced hand" called for by stakeholders like Shehu Sani to tackle the nation's insecurity.
