General Christopher Gwabin Musa, President Tinubu’s nominee for Minister of Defence, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced counter-insurgency commanders.
A seasoned infantry officer commissioned in 1991, Musa has held top military positions, including Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to 2025, where he coordinated joint operations across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
He previously led major anti-terrorism campaigns as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast and as Sector Commander in both the Multinational Joint Task Force and Operation Lafiya Dole.
Known for his strong operational background, disciplined leadership style and deep understanding of security threats in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, Musa has been credited with improving frontline coordination and enhancing troop readiness.
He is also a recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering.
His nomination signals a continuation of President Tinubu’s focus on security restructuring and the appointment of field-tested commanders to strategic positions.
With decades of field experience and a reputation for disciplined command, he steps into the role at a critical moment.
He has a Herculean task ahead of him with the rising insecurity in the country, but there is optimism that his operational experience and strategic background will serve him well in tackling these challenges.
