ABUJA — In a major development in Nigeria’s security architecture, retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd), is reportedly being positioned to take over as Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Daily Track News that President Bola Tinubu met with General Musa at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening in what is widely seen as a decisive step toward his appointment.
General Musa arrived at the State House at 7:03 p.m., dressed in a dark-green northern-style kaftan, and was quietly escorted into the President’s office wing by a senior security official.
The meeting was held behind closed doors and, according to insiders, marked the first time General Musa met President Tinubu since his compulsory retirement as CDS on October 24, 2025.
Although the official agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, highly placed sources indicated that discussions focused squarely on the escalating security challenges across the country, particularly in the North. In recent weeks, Nigeria has witnessed a string of alarming incidents, including:
The abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State,
The attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and
The kidnapping of students from a Catholic school in Minna, Niger State.
President Tinubu had earlier declared a national security emergency, and security agencies have since intensified counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across the North-West and North-Central zones. Analysts suggest that Musa’s prospective appointment signals a shift toward more aggressive and coordinated military-led strategies to curb insecurity in the country.
From CDS to Minister: A Strategic Move
General Musa, who retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces after a distinguished career spanning over three decades, previously served as Chief of Defence Staff, where he oversaw critical military operations across volatile regions. His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency and armed banditry, earning him widespread recognition among security circles.
Political insiders suggest that Musa’s return to government, this time as Defence Minister, is a strategic move by President Tinubu to consolidate security leadership at a time when insurgent attacks, kidnappings, and banditry threaten public confidence. “Bringing General Musa into the Defence Ministry will give the President a trusted, battle-tested hand to oversee operations directly on the ground,” a senior presidential aide told Daily Track News on condition of anonymity.
Implications for National Security
If confirmed, Musa will inherit a defence ministry under enormous pressure. Recent attacks on schools, religious institutions, and communities have sparked public outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness of existing security policies. Analysts believe that a former CDS at the helm may bring a renewed sense of urgency, operational discipline, and coordination among the armed forces and paramilitary agencies.
Security experts also predict that Musa’s leadership could accelerate reforms in intelligence gathering, rapid response to kidnapping incidents, and collaboration with state governments to stabilize high-risk areas.
Next Steps
While no official announcement has yet been made, sources say President Tinubu is expected to formalize Musa’s appointment in the coming days. Political watchers believe the move will also reassure both domestic and international stakeholders of Nigeria’s commitment to addressing its security challenges proactively.
For now, all eyes are on the Presidential Villa as the nation awaits confirmation of a new Defence Minister who may well redefine Nigeria’s approach to its most pressing security threats.