President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. The nomination was communicated in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday according to Vanguard News Report, following the resignation of the former minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down due to health reasons.
According to the President, General Musa’s appointment is based on his strategic experience, proven leadership, and long-standing record of service in the Nigerian Army. Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Musa’s capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and lead ongoing reforms in the security sector.
A Distinguished Military Career
General Musa, who turned 58 on December 25, has served in some of Nigeria’s most sensitive and demanding military positions. His professional excellence earned him the internationally recognised Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa attended primary and secondary school in the state before moving to the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria. After graduating in 1986, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and began a steady rise through the ranks.
Key Positions Held
Throughout his career, General Musa has held crucial operational and administrative roles, including:
- General Staff Officer I, Training/Operations, HQ 81 Division
- Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion
- Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans
- Infantry Representative, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps
- Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps
- Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole
- Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (Lake Chad Region)
In 2021, he was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, where he played a major role in coordinating counter-terrorism operations in the North-East. His leadership later earned him the position of Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Defence Staff in 2023, a role he held until October 2025.
Why Tinubu Chose Him
According to the statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the administration views General Musa as:
- A strategic thinker with deep insight into Nigeria’s security challenges
- A seasoned commander with high-level experience in joint military operations
- A leader capable of reorganising and strengthening the Defence Ministry
- A soldier with a clean record and strong international recognition
His appointment is expected to fast-track defence reforms, improve counter-terrorism coordination, and reinforce Nigeria’s national security agenda.
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