ABUJA, Nigeria — The Senate has confirmed retired General Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following a screening session that focused heavily on the country’s worsening insecurity and the reforms needed to strengthen national defence.
Musa’s confirmation was approved on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after senators examined his military record and questioned him on strategies to address ongoing security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence.
In his remarks to lawmakers, Musa pledged to bring unity, professionalism, and accountability to the defence ministry.
“I believe that the challenges we are facing is a Nigerian challenge, not only for the armed forces or security forces, but for everyone working together,” he said.
“I want to assure you, we will win working together as a team. Even when I was CDS, I tried to harmonise all the teams and service chiefs.”
Musa said operational gaps and “constitutional lacuna” had hindered effectiveness in the past, and he promised to work closely with other agencies to close those gaps.
He also emphasised the need for a comprehensive national database to support intelligence gathering and security operations.
Calling for stronger participation from local and sub-national governments, Musa said resolving insecurity must involve all tiers of the Nigerian state—including reforms to the justice system.
He also insisted that ransom payments to criminal groups must end.
“There should be no negotiation with criminals. If you negotiate with them, they will never abide by it. They use the money to buy more arms,” he told lawmakers.
On claims of genocide targeting Christians in Nigeria, Musa dismissed the framing, saying all Nigerians are suffering from violent extremism.
“We are all victims; everybody is being killed,” he said.
“We must stop the killings. Nigerians should not be killed. We must unite. These are evil people who are on drugs, they kill everyone, they don’t know who is who.”
Musa also said future recruitment into the armed forces would be more thorough to ensure high standards and professionalism.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Musa’s depth of knowledge and clarity during the screening.
“I have not seen any nominee who has answered all questions since 1999,” he said.
He urged Musa to visit the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) quickly after assuming office.
Following the screening, Akpabio put the nomination to a voice vote, and senators unanimously approved Musa as Minister of Defence.
Musa replaces Mohammed Badaru, who resigned earlier this week due to health reasons.
