Fresh developments indicate that retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, may be appointed as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence following the unexpected resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
According to top security insiders, General Musa’s quiet visit to the Presidential Villa on Monday, his first since leaving office is believed to be linked to high-level consultations on filling the now-vacant defence portfolio. The retired military chief, dressed in traditional northern attire, reportedly proceeded directly into a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Although the presidency has yet to officially confirm the purpose of the meeting, reliable sources familiar with the matter revealed that Musa has emerged as a leading candidate. One senior source stated that his “experience, operational background, and understanding of Nigeria’s security system make him a strong option at this critical moment.”
Security experts note that naming a defence minister with deep military roots could strengthen Nigeria’s security strategy as the country confronts rising threats across multiple regions.
General Musa was relieved of his position as CDS in October amid reports of an alleged aborted coup attempt, though the government provided no formal explanation. His return to Aso Rock comes at a time of escalating violence, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi, an attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, and the kidnapping of Catholic schoolchildren in Minna.
His meeting with the President occurred just hours after the announcement that Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar had resigned due to health concerns. President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and is expected to forward a new nominee to the Senate in the coming days.
With Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, the incoming defence minister is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s approach to tackling insecurity. Insiders say General Musa’s name now tops the list of potential replacements.