President Bola Tinubu has officially administered the oath of office to General Christopher Musa (retd.), appointing him as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence.

Musa arrived at the Presidential Villa forecourt around 3:47 p.m. and proceeded to the President’s office, where the swearing-in took place. The ceremony was held on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.

This development comes a day after the Senate confirmed Musa’s nomination as Defence Minister, following an intense five-hour screening. During the exercise, lawmakers questioned him extensively about recent security breaches, including the widely criticised withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—an action taken shortly before the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.

In response to the concerns, Musa assured senators that he would “immediately set up a full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal once he resumes duty.

He also pledged to investigate the killing of Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State, along with other targeted attacks on senior military personnel.

Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down reportedly due to health-related issues.

Before retiring in October, Musa served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai—the North-East counter-insurgency mission—and later as the Chief of Defence Staff, where he oversaw joint operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various bandit groups.

A seasoned infantry officer, he has held numerous command and staff roles across different formations and tri-service headquarters, giving him extensive experience in field operations, training, and joint mission planning.