General Christopher Musa has officially resumed duty as Nigeria’s new Defence Minister, marking the beginning of a leadership shift that many analysts believe will influence the nation’s security direction in the coming months. The former Chief of Defence Staff arrived at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Monday, where he was received by top military officials, senior civil servants and members of the Defence management team.

In his address, Musa pledged to strengthen coordination across the Armed Forces and reinforce accountability in ongoing operations nationwide. He acknowledged the security challenges Nigeria faces, from terrorism in the Northeast to banditry and kidnapping across several states, and stressed that restoring peace requires discipline, collaboration and consistent engagement with frontline personnel.

He also assured Nigerians that the ministry will intensify support for troops on the field, placing a renewed focus on equipment upgrades, welfare improvements and strategic intelligence sharing. Musa described his appointment as a call to duty and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the lives of citizens while upholding military professionalism.

Senior officials expressed confidence in his leadership, noting that Musa’s experience as a battlefield commander and former defence chief gives him a unique perspective on the complexities of Nigeria’s security landscape. Many also highlighted his reputation for operational discipline built during years of service.

Public reactions across social media echoed cautious optimism. Citizens called for decisive reforms and a clear strategy that delivers visible improvements in safety, especially after recent waves of attacks and abductions. Others urged the minister to prioritise transparency in procurement and operational reporting.

As he settles into his new role, General Musa’s leadership is expected to shape Nigeria’s defence posture at a critical time, with hopes that his experience will contribute to a more stable and secure nation.