General Christopher Musa (rtd), Nigeria’s newly sworn-in defence minister, has pledged that Nigerians will see tangible security results in the shortest possible time.
Speaking to State House correspondents after his swearing-in on Thursday, Musa said his immediate priority is to strengthen synergy among the Armed Forces and other security agencies to tackle terrorism and all forms of insecurity.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country,” Musa said.
“The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along… security is everybody’s responsibility. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results.”
"Fine Gentleman"
President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office to Musa at the State House, Abuja, describing him as a “fine gentleman” whose track record positions him to drive a more integrated national security response.
Top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.
Musa, 58, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025, overseeing counterterrorism operations and inter-agency coordination.
His nomination as Minister of Defence was transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday and confirmed after rigorous screening the following day, a process Tinubu said demonstrated legislative support for his security vision.
With the swearing-in complete, Musa now assumes full ministerial responsibilities, as the Tinubu administration seeks to consolidate recent security gains and accelerate reforms aimed at delivering lasting peace and national stability.
He concluded by thanking Nigerians for their support and vowing to “work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secured.”
