President Bola Tinubu on Thursday officially sworn in retired Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister, following his confirmation by the Senate one day earlier. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, marking the formal transition.

In a rigorous five-hour screening session held Wednesday, senators confirmed Musa’s appointment after grilling him about recent security failings, including the controversial withdrawal of troops from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State — a move that preceded the abduction of schoolgirls on November 17.

Upon assuming office, Musa pledged to launch a “full-scale investigation” into the troop withdrawal that preceded the school abduction. He also promised to probe the killing of a senior officer — Brigade Commander Brig-Gen. Musa Uba in Borno State — along with other recent attacks on high-ranking military officers. The new minister asserted that restoring public confidence in the armed forces and reinforcing security would be among his top priorities.

Observers say the appointment signals a renewed focus on accountability within the defence establishment as the nation battles multiple security challenges across the north and the south.