Hussaini Ibrahim 
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The nomination was sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with President Tinubu urging swift confirmation, describing Musa as a leader capable of strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security institutions. The announcement was issued on Tuesday by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga.
General Musa, who turns 58 on 25 December, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025 and is a recipient of the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering (2012). Born in Sokoto in 1967, he was educated in Sokoto and Zaria before entering the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986. He was commissioned in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
His 30-year military career includes strategic postings such as General Staff Officer (Training/Operations) at HQ 81 Division, Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, and Assistant Director, Operational Requirements at Army Headquarters.
Musa also held key counterinsurgency roles, including Commander of Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole, Commander of Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force and Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. He later served as Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before becoming Defence Chief.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu said he is confident that General Musa will “bring experience, discipline and leadership” to the Ministry of Defence.
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Korede Abdullah 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwafunbi Bello 