The Senate has confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following a tense and extensive five-hour screening on Wednesday.
During the session, Musa presented his strategy for stabilising Nigeria’s security landscape, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local communities.
He warned that terrorists view Nigeria as a lucrative target because they believe the country is wealthy and vulnerable to exploitation.
Musa vowed to block operational gaps, enhance accountability in defence spending, and deepen cooperation with neighbouring nations to counter cross-border terrorism and organised crime.
He told lawmakers that the military alone cannot secure the nation, arguing that what he called a “whole-of-government approach” was essential.
According to him, the armed forces contribute only “20 to 25 percent” of the solution, while governance, intelligence, and community trust play a larger role.
Senators unanimously endorsed his nomination, praising his experience and the clarity of his security vision.
Once sworn in, General Musa will assume full control of Nigeria’s defence portfolio at a time of escalating terrorism, banditry, and nationwide kidnapping crises.
