Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence.
His confirmation followed a five-hour screening session and came barely 24 hours after his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
Gen. Musa assumes leadership of the Ministry of Defence at a time insecurity—particularly mass abductions in schools—continues to escalate across the country.
His appearance before lawmakers was largely dominated by concerns over the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, following reports that troops stationed in the area withdrew shortly before the attackers struck.
Addressing the incident, Musa said investigating the alleged troop withdrawal would be one of his first tasks upon assumption of office, stressing that the Nigerian military does not abandon its responsibilities.
“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government,” he said.
The minister-designate, who appeared with members of his family, added that the matter would be thoroughly examined.
“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have their procedures, and from the Ministry of Defence, we will ensure proper oversight of their activities,” he said.
Musa pledged to strengthen coordination among security institutions to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
Banditry and terrorism have reportedly been on the rise across the country, developments that culminated in the resignation of former Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru.
