The Senate has confirmed the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.
On Tuesday, December 2, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) transmitted to the Senate the nomination of Gen. Musa (retd) as Minister of Defence.
The confirmation of his appointment followed a rigorous five-hour screening by lawmakers, during which Gen. Musa faced questions on recent security lapses, including the withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.
Gen. Musa assured the Senate that he would immediately set up a full-scale investigation into the troop withdrawal once he assumes office.
He also vowed to probe the recent killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, Brigadier General Musa Uba, and other attacks targeting military officers.
According to Gen. Musa (retd), “It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and allow terrorists to have the capacity to do such.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully.
“The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
The former defence chief also called for enhanced funding, strengthened community engagement, and coordinated inter-agency operations.
