•Tinubu (C) and service chiefs
Step up your strategies for greater efficiency and results in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday ordered Service chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies.
The president demanded greater efficiency, stronger coordination and improved execution of operational strategies across all theatres of operation.
He gave the directive during a meeting at the State House in Abuja, reports The Nation.
The meeting came amid renewed efforts by the Tinubu Administration to stabilise troubled regions and guarantee a peaceful festive season for citizens.
Also yesterday, the President nominated immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa to replace Alhaji Abubakar Badaru as Defence Minister.
On Monday, Badaru resigned from office citing health reasons.
The Senate announced yesterday that the nominee would be screened today.
At yesterday’s meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and and Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke.
Others are: Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiadeye; Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
General Oluyede, who reported what the president told them at the meeting, added that the interaction was “quite engaging”.
The CDS added that Nigerians should expect a safer and more stable environment in the coming weeks, particularly in the build-up to the festive seasons.
Yesterday’s briefing forms part of the president’s sustained engagements with security institutions following his declaration of emergency on national security to confront rising threats across the country.
General Musa is Defence minister-designate
General Musa’s nomination was transmitted to the Senate yesterday, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga said.
The president said in the letter that the former CDS’s extensive operational experience and leadership record make him eminently qualified to steer the Defence Ministry at a time the country is intensifying efforts to upgrade its security architecture.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, his Plateau State counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang, and Northwest leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Datti Muhammad, hailed the appointment.
They expressed the belief that Gen. Musa would justify the confidence reposed in him.
The former CDS, who turns 58 on December 25, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced infantry commanders.
Gen. Musa, a recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, served as CDS between 2023 and last month.
Born in Sokoto in 1967, he attended the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, before enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and earning a commission as Second Lieutenant.
In a career spanning over three decades, Gen. Musa served as General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative on the Training Team at the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.
Sani, Muftwang, Northwest APC hail appointment
Sani, Mutfwang and Mohammed hailed the appointment, saying that the president has demonstrated good leadership.
Mohammed, a former member of the House of Representatives, described the President’s decision as “a perfect choice” and a round peg in a round hole.”
He expressed optimism that General Musa would turn around the security situation in the country for the good.
Mohammed said: “On behalf of the entire All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the Northwest, I extend our profound appreciation to the President for appointing General C.G. Musa as the new Minister of Defence.
“Without mincing words, Mr. President has made the right choice given General Musa’s pedigree as a fine, dedicated, dogged, patriotic, and gallant military officer, who, as the Chief of Defence Staff until October 24, gave a good account of himself.
“Time and time again, General Musa has proven to be one of the finest military officers. General Musa has demonstrated uncommon courage as a soldiers’ soldier.
Also, Mutfwang thanked President Tinubu for deeming General Musa worthy of the noble responsibility of providing leadership in safeguarding and defending the nation.
The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, described the nominee as a gallant, courageous, and exceptionally competent officer who has made immeasurable sacrifices in fostering peace, unity, and national cohesion.
He commended his doggedness and commitment during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, expressing confidence that he will bring renewed vigour, clarity of purpose, and effective strategy to the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.
Muftwang noted that General Musa’s appointment is a fitting recognition for a man whose life embodies intellectual depth, professional excellence, discipline, and an unshakable dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
The governor, who urged him to live up to expectations, also enjoined Nigerians to see the war against terrorism and violent crimes as a joint responsibility.
Kaduna State Governor Sani described the nomination as “well-deserved, timely and a reaffirmation of excellence.”
He said the choice reflected the president’s determination to strengthen the security architecture amid the security emergency.
Sani commended President Tinubu for what he called “a profound vote of confidence” in the retired General’s integrity, competence and record of national service.
The governor, who said he had worked closely with Gen. Musa during his tenure as CDS, described him as “a round peg in a round hole,” praising his discipline, strategic insight and humane leadership style.
He said the General played a significant role in restoring public trust in the Armed Forces.
Sani added: “For us in Kaduna State, Gen. Musa’s nomination evokes deep gratitude.
His wise counsel and firm support were instrumental in stabilising communities that once faced serious security challenges.
The modest but significant gains we recorded bear his enduring imprint.”
Sani said the country would benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.”
Musa faces Senate screening today
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who dropped the hint in a statement through his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs, emphasised the significance of the screening to ensuring internal peace and stability.
Gen. Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister Alhaji Mohammed Badaru.
In the statement, Bamidele noted that the Senate “is already in possession of the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to screen his defence minister nominee.
“The letter will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday. Subsequently, the chamber will immediately proceed to the screening of the nominee pursuant to Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.
“We cannot delay such a request especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland. We are treating the request as a matter that directly touches the core interest of our nation so that the federal government can sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other forces undermining our national security.
“Since the president has declared a State of Emergency on national security, both the Presidency and National Assembly must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability and good government.
“The screening of the defence minister nominee is one of the ways to demonstrate such a synergy purely in the national interest.”
