President Bola Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a retired Chief of Defence Staff, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu communicated Musa’s nomination in a formal letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
A Distinguished Military Career
General Musa, 58, has had a long and celebrated career in the Nigerian Army. Born in Sokoto in 1967, he completed his primary and secondary education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria, graduating in 1986.
That same year, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, Musa’s military trajectory has been marked by a series of high-profile appointments and commendations.
He served as:
* General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations, HQ 81 Division
* Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion
* Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans
* Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps
In 2019, he held key operational roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations at the Infantry Centre and Corps, Commander of Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, and Commander of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region.
He later served as Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, before becoming Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
In 2023, President Tinubu appointed him as Chief of Defence Staff, a role he held until October 2025.
General Musa’s illustrious service has been recognized internationally; he won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, highlighting his dedication and excellence in military leadership.
President Tinubu’s Confidence in Musa
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Musa’s capacity to lead the Ministry of Defence.
The President highlighted that Musa’s extensive experience and leadership credentials make him well-suited to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and oversee strategic defence policies.
A Strategic Appointment for National Security
With rising security challenges across Nigeria, General Musa’s appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at leveraging his operational expertise and leadership experience.
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Analysts note that his track record in counterinsurgency operations, including leadership roles in Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Hadin Kai, positions him as a strong candidate to enhance national defence capabilities.
About General Christopher Musa
* Age: 58
* Place of Birth: Sokoto State
* Education: College of Advanced Studies, Zaria; Nigerian Defence Academy (B.Sc.)
* Career Highlights: Chief of Defence Staff (2023–2025), Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps
* Awards: Colin Powell Award for Soldiering (2012)
President Tinubu’s nomination of General Musa is expected to receive Senate confirmation in the coming weeks, formally marking his transition from military leadership to a pivotal role in Nigeria’s civilian defence governance.
