President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Musa’s capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and provide strategic leadership at a critical period for national security.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his early education in the state before proceeding to the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria. He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1986 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. The same year, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army.
Over the course of his distinguished career, General Musa has held several vital command and staff positions, including General Staff Officer 1 (Training/Operations) at HQ 81 Division, Commanding Officer 73 Battalion, and Infantry Representative/Member of the Training Team at the HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
He also served in major operational roles such as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at Infantry Corps Headquarters, Commander of Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, and Commander of Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin.
In 2021, Musa rose to become Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, leading counterterrorism efforts in the North-East. He later headed the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Tinubu in 2023.
A highly decorated officer, he received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, one of several recognitions highlighting his exemplary service and professional excellence.
General Musa’s nomination now awaits Senate confirmation.
