President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.
The decision, which was sent to the Senate on Monday, comes after the sudden resignation of former minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The General Christopher Musa nomination has stirred fresh interest across security and political circles.
The President’s letter was addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
It confirmed that the retired Chief of Defence Staff had been selected to take charge of the nation’s defence leadership.
Moreover, the move is seen as a major shift in the administration’s approach to national security.
According to the letter shared by the Presidency, President Tinubu said he had full trust in Musa’s ability to “further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”
Therefore, the nomination is already being viewed as a strategic attempt to reinforce defence operations during a tense security period.
General Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, has built a widely respected military career.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, he completed his early and secondary education in the state.
He later proceeded to the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986.
Furthermore, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant that same year.
His long service includes roles such as General Staff Officer 1 of Training and Operations at Headquarters 81 Division.
In addition, he commanded the 73 Battalion and served as Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, in the Army Policy and Plans Department.
He was also an Infantry Representative on the Training Team of the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
Musa’s frontline experience is equally notable.
He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Training and Operations at the Infantry Centre and Corps.
Meanwhile, he was appointed Commander of Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, and later led Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.
In 2021, he was named Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, where he managed key operations against insurgent groups.
He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
His most recent role was serving as Chief of Defence Staff, a position he held from 2023 until October 2025.
General Musa received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, which remains one of his most recognised honours.
The General Christopher Musa nomination is now before the Senate and is expected to receive quick attention.
However, political watchers note that the timing of the development remains unexpected, especially with recent shifts within the top security hierarchy.
In the announcement signed by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency reaffirmed, “President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”
As the country awaits the Senate’s confirmation process, the nomination has already triggered debates about what direction the nation’s defence agenda could take next.
