President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, officially swore in General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking a major step in the administration’s ongoing security reforms.
General Musa replaces Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday, December 1, 2025. His nomination, sent to the Senate the next day, received immediate screening and confirmation.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, Gen. Musa was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1991 and rose through the ranks during a distinguished career. He served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until his retirement in October 2025, where he pushed for deeper cooperation among the nation’s security services.
Speaking to journalists shortly after taking his oath of office, Gen. Musa assured Nigerians that renewed safety, improved coordination, and visible results will be at the core of his leadership.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country,” he said. “The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies is essential, and as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility.”
He expressed appreciation to Nigerians for the overwhelming goodwill since his nomination, promising to repay their trust with decisive action.
“Nigerians have shown me love. I guarantee them that I will work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he declared. “Within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.”
Gen. Musa also revealed that President Tinubu reaffirmed his instruction that citizens must once again live without fear.
“The President emphasized that Nigeria must be secured. Nigerians should sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, and schools must operate without fear,” he said.
He added that every security initiative going forward will align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—focusing on stability to support education, agriculture, economic recovery, and community life.
“Everyone is being carried along to ensure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope programme of Mr. President,” he noted.
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Others in attendance included Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and retired Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs.
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