President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally inaugurated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence during a ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

The former Chief of Defence Staff steps into the role following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar earlier in the week. His nomination was swiftly forwarded to the Senate and received prompt confirmation.

General Musa, born in Sokoto in 1967, joined the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and went on to build an accomplished military career. Appointed Chief of Defence Staff in 2023, he retired from service in October 2025 after overseeing improved coordination among the nation’s security services.

With his new appointment, General Musa is expected to immediately take charge of defence operations as the Tinubu administration works to strengthen recent security gains and advance ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring stability across the country.

The swearing-in was witnessed by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Also present were Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, the spouse of the new minister; Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and retired Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs.