The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence after an intense three-hour screening that focused heavily on Nigeria’s worsening security challenges and the future direction of the Armed Forces.
Lawmakers rejected calls for the nominee to “take a bow and go,” opting instead for a full interrogation covering ransom payments, operational failures, banditry, defence funding and allegations of compromised military procedures.
General Musa, responding to a series of firm questions, declared that Nigeria must completely end negotiations with criminals and stop ransom payments, insisting that such practices strengthen criminal networks.“There will be no negotiation with criminals,” he said.
“States must not engage in deals that compromise national security. Security is local. We need the trust of communities, justice, equity and strong governance.”
He also reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would not admit “repented terrorists,” stressing that strict vetting processes remain in place.
Lawmakers questioned intelligence gaps, the rising sophistication of bandits’ weapons, and circumstances surrounding recent kidnappings, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi while Akpabio sought clarification on reports that troops were ordered to withdraw shortly before the attack.
Musa acknowledged that serious technology and intelligence deficiencies persist within the military and pledged urgent reforms, including improved border surveillance, redeployment of troops from routine checkpoints to forest operations, and stronger cooperation with governors and security agencies.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume urged the minister-designate to push for placing the Armed Forces on First Line Charge to ensure predictable funding for operations and procurement. He also called for better welfare for troops.
Musa outlined his priority actions to include community-driven security strategies, improved maritime operations, fencing and technology upgrades for schools, tighter screening of recruits, and confronting illegal mining tied to terrorism financing.
He pledged to return to the Senate within three weeks of assuming office for a closed-door briefing on defence gaps and required legislative backing.
“I felt the heat the moment my name was announced,” Musa said. “I cannot afford to fail myself, my nation or my family. There must be no indolence, no cowardice.”
The Senate also disclosed it is advancing legislation to classify kidnapping as a terrorist act, punishable by death without an option of fine.
