The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed General Christopher Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, as the nation's new Minister of Defence, following an intense and rigorous screening session that lasted more than three hours. The confirmation comes amidst escalating security concerns across Nigeria, prompting lawmakers to demand clear assurances on how the new minister plans to combat insurgency, banditry, mass abductions, and other pervasive security threats. President Bola Tinubu nominated Musa to replace Mohammed Badaru, who resigned due to health reasons.

During the screening at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a motion by Senator Sani Musa of Niger East to allow the nominee to "take a bow and go" was vehemently rejected by senators. The chamber became rowdy as lawmakers insisted on a full interrogation, citing the gravity of Nigeria’s security crisis. Senate President Akpabio emphasized that this was not a time for routine ceremony, reminding colleagues that their constituents, with over 200 schoolchildren still held captive and a senior military officer, Brigadier General Uba, missing after abduction, expected direct answers from the nominee. He also made a notable reference to external pressure, stating, "Even Donald Trump is on our neck."

General Musa was unequivocal in his responses, outlining a firm and comprehensive strategy to address insecurity. He staunchly opposed negotiations with bandits and other criminal groups, arguing that such engagements compromise security, allow groups to regroup, and acquire more weapons. Musa insisted that Nigeria must stop ransom payments, citing National Bureau of Statistics figures which revealed N2.23 trillion in ransom payments between May 2023 and April 2024. He emphasized the need for technology, such as tracking ransom money, to support security efforts.

The Minister-designate pledged to work diligently to dislodge criminal groups operating across the country. He criticized the deradicalization programme for former Boko Haram members, advocating instead for punitive measures against those responsible for attacks. Musa stressed the need for increased funding for military operations and highlighted the country's continued reliance on importing essential equipment, calling for technological investment in surveillance systems, communication, intelligence, and advanced weapons. He asserted, "You cannot fight 21st-century threats with outdated tools."

Musa called for a unified front against insecurity, urging Nigerians to stay united and stressing the imperative of securing the nation’s borders. He also raised concerns about delays in prosecuting suspects, advocating for shorter trial periods. Responding to queries regarding the withdrawal of troops shortly before mass abductions, including the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, and the incident involving Brigadier General Uba, Musa vowed thorough investigation and accountability. He stated, "No act of indolence or cowardice will be tolerated. Anyone found culpable, whether in the Uba incident or the school attack, will face the law." He committed to immediately reviewing all ongoing operations, assessing troop conduct and command structures, and returning to the Senate within three weeks with a detailed list of needs to enhance operational capacity.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges were no longer purely military in nature, demanding a whole-of-society approach, equal commitment from state governments, security agencies, and citizens. He promised that more military personnel would be deployed to terrorized areas by reassigning soldiers from checkpoints, which he identified as the role of the police, to actively hunt terrorists in their hideouts. He also warned that instability in the Sahel region, particularly Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, posed direct risks to Nigeria if its borders were not adequately secured and regional coordination failed.

Senators pressed Musa on long-standing concerns, including inadequate equipment, obsolete weapons, and sluggish adoption of modern technology, questioning why troops often confronted terrorists with AK-47s while bandits wielded more sophisticated weapons. Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged Musa to champion the placement of the Nigerian Army on First Line Charge, similar to institutions like INEC and NDDC, to ensure timely and uninterrupted release of funds, thereby eliminating bureaucratic delays in procurement. Ndume also stressed the need to prioritize troop welfare, noting that Nigerian soldiers are not among the best paid in West Africa despite their sacrifices. Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan echoed calls for "massive, sustained funding" in the 2026 budget.

Musa outlined core action points for his ministry, including aggressive community engagement, tackling illegal mining linked to terrorism financing, expanded maritime security operations, improved border surveillance, and protection of farmlands to ensure food security. He also ruled out the recruitment of 'repented terrorists' into the Armed Forces, emphasizing strict vetting and the need for a unified national database to prevent criminals from evading tracking. He noted that only 25-30% of the war against insecurity is kinetic, with the rest relying on good governance, justice, and equity.

Senate President Akpabio disclosed that the Senate has begun the process of classifying kidnapping as a terrorist offence, punishable by the death penalty without the option of a fine, aiming to provide the incoming minister with a harsher legal deterrent. Akpabio commended Musa's operational record, including his role in stabilizing parts of the North-East, such as Monguno, enabling residents to return after over a decade. Musa acknowledged the massive public expectations surrounding his appointment, pledging a strict professional regime within the Armed Forces, characterized by "no indolence, no cowardice," and a commitment to ensuring Nigerians can "sleep with their two eyes closed."