President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa (retd.), former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This follows the Senate’s confirmation of Musa on Wednesday after a rigorous five-hour screening session. During the exercise, senators questioned him extensively over recent security breaches, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—just before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
Musa assured lawmakers that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office. He also pledged to probe the killing of Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, as well as other attacks targeting senior military officers.
His appointment comes after the resignation of the former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, reportedly due to health-related issues.
