President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new minister of defence, marking an unexpected shift in the country’s security leadership.
The short ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, only a day after a tense five-hour screening at the Senate.
The appointment, which many observers did not anticipate, signals a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development and shared a photo of the event on his X handle for public viewing.
Speaking to reporters shortly after taking the oath of office, Musa promised swift action.
He stressed that results would come soon and called for unity in the national fight against criminal groups.
“I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he said confidently.
Moreover, Musa expressed gratitude for the trust shown in him by citizens across the country. “I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians.
Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he added.
His emergence as Nigeria defence minister comes at a time when the nation is battling mass abductions, banditry, and widespread kidnapping.
The situation has drawn global attention. At one point, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential military action over what he called the mass killing of Christians, a statement that forced the Nigerian government to tighten its security approach.
During his Senate screening, Musa condemned the rise in kidnap-for-ransom operations.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for advanced tools to monitor criminal cash movement.
He told the lawmakers that ransom payments worsen insecurity and must be stopped.
“The use of technology is very important. Like I said, if we are able to have a database – every Nigerian has a number linked to everything you have electronically we can monitor everything,” he explained.
According to him, ransom payment “compromises security” and makes the work of security agencies more difficult.
He ruled out negotiation with criminals, insisting that strong intelligence systems remain the best option.
General Musa’s appointment followed the sudden resignation of former defence minister Mohammed Badaru earlier in the week.
Tinubu immediately forwarded Musa’s name to the Senate, describing him as capable of leading Nigeria’s defence architecture into a new phase. His confirmation came the next day, sealing his rise to one of the most important positions in the country.
