Why Tinubu Picked Ex-CDS Gen. Chris Musa As New Minister Of Defence

The air in the Presidential Villa buzzed with an unusual blend of anticipation and solemnity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man accustomed to the weight of national decisions, sat at his imposing desk, the official letter of nomination for the Minister of Defence resting before him.

The ink was still fresh, carrying the gravity of a pivotal appointment. General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a name synonymous with unwavering dedication and tactical acumen, was about to embark on his next, and perhaps most significant, chapter of service.

The resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar had sent ripples through the defence establishment, creating a void that needed to be filled with a leader of exceptional caliber.

President Tinubu, after careful deliberation and consultation, had found that leader in General Musa. His letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio was more than just a formal notification; it was a testament to the President’s faith in the General’s capabilities.

General Musa, at 58, was a seasoned warrior, his career etched with distinction. His tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, a role he held from 2023 until the impending October 2025 conclusion, had been characterised by a strategic foresight that resonated deep within the military.

The prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012 was not merely an accolade; it was recognition of his profound understanding of modern warfare and his commitment to the highest standards of military professionalism.

His journey began in the sands of Sokoto, where he was born in 1967. The city that birthed him also nurtured his early education, laying the foundation for the intellectual rigor that would define his military career.

The College of Advanced Studies in Zaria was the next stepping stone, a period of intense academic preparation before he answered the call of duty. In 1986, the hallowed grounds of the Nigerian Defence Academy welcomed him, and by 1991, he emerged with a Bachelor of Science degree, ready to don the uniform and serve his nation.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, General Musa’s career was a testament to a steady ascent through the ranks, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

His early appointments, such as General Staff Officer 1 for Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division and Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion, provided him with invaluable ground-level experience.

He navigated the complexities of operational planning and tactical execution, demonstrating a keen ability to lead and inspire. His roles as Assistant Director for Operational Requirements and Infantry Representative within the Department of Army Policy and Plans showcased his involvement in shaping the very future of the Nigerian Army.

The year 2019 proved to be a significant turning point. General Musa assumed the mantle of Deputy Chief of Staff for Training/Operations at the Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps, a role that honed his strategic vision.

Subsequently, his command of Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole, and later Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region, thrust him into the heart of the nation’s most critical counter-terrorism efforts. Here, amidst the volatile landscapes and the constant threat of insurgency, he proved his mettle, leading diverse forces against formidable adversaries.

The culmination of his battlefield successes arrived in 2021 with his appointment as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. This demanding theatre required not only military prowess but also diplomatic finesse and an unwavering resolve to protect innocent lives.

Following this, he took the helm of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, solidifying his leadership within the army’s core fighting arm. It was in 2023 that President Tinubu recognized the full spectrum of his capabilities and entrusted him with the nation’s highest military position: Chief of Defence Staff.

Now, as the nominated Minister of Defence, General Musa stood on the precipice of an even greater responsibility. President Tinubu’s letter conveyed a profound sense of optimism: “I have the utmost confidence in General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s unparalleled experience, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to national security. His distinguished service record and proven leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

The Senate, a body accustomed to scrutinizing nominations, would undoubtedly delve into General Musa’s credentials. Yet, the narrative of his career, from the training grounds of Zaria to the battlefields of the Northeast, to the pinnacle of the defence hierarchy, painted a compelling picture. He was a soldier’s soldier, a strategist who understood the nuances of warfare, and a leader who had consistently delivered under pressure.

As the news of his nomination began to permeate the nation, a sense of quiet reassurance settled over many. In a country grappling with multifaceted security challenges, the prospect of a seasoned and decorated military leader at the helm of the Ministry of Defence offered a beacon of hope.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a man shaped by duty and honed by conflict, was poised to continue his service, this time, in a role that would directly influence the very fabric of Nigeria’s safety and stability. The journey ahead would be demanding, but the General, a man who had already navigated the most perilous storms, was ready to steer the ship of national defence towards a more secure horizon.