..As Tinubu swears in Gen. Christopher Musa as Defence Minister
Nigeria’s newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has assured citizens that the Federal Government’s renewed security strategy will begin to yield visible results soon in the near future.
Musa gave the assurance on Thursday after President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office as.minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the minister said his first task is to strengthen the country’s defence architecture and rebuild coordination among all security agencies.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country,” he said.
“The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies, and all Nigerians being carried along… as we have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility.”
Musa explained that improved cooperation across the security sector would fast-track efforts to curb the violence affecting multiple regions.
“It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we are going to do. I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to citizens for their support so far.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians. Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work, whatever it takes, to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.
“Nigerians Should Sleep With Eyes Closed”
When asked about President Tinubu’s specific directive, Musa said the President emphasised that restoring security must be urgent and comprehensive.
“Yes, I just met Mr President, and he reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.
“Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed; go back to their farms; schools open without being molested. Everyone being carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the renewed programme of Mr President.”
Background and Expectations
Musa’s appointment came a day after the Senate confirmed his nomination following a five-hour screening session. He succeeds Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on health grounds.
Photos of the swearing-in were shared by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who described the appointment as pivotal to the government’s security reforms.
During his Senate appearance, the former Chief of Defence Staff—who served from June 2023 to October 2025—criticised the surge in kidnapping for ransom, warning that paying ransom “compromise(s) security” and fuels criminal operations.
He also underscored the importance of technology-driven intelligence in tackling terrorism and organised crime.
President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to lead the defence establishment at a time when the nation is battling widespread security threats.
At 57, General Musa assumes one of Nigeria’s most strategic national security roles, with heightened public expectations that his experience will translate into real, measurable improvements on the ground.
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