Newly sworn-in Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), on Thursday, vowed rapid gains against insecurity, saying Nigerians would see results in the shortest possible time as he rebuilds synergy across the security architecture.
Musa particularly stated that he has a mandate to go after kidnappers, bandits, criminals and ensure that Nigerians can be in schools, farms and their homes with fear of being attacked.
He also pledged to do “whatever it takes” to secure the lives of Nigerians.
“I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” Musa told State House correspondents after he took the oath of office before President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The new defence minister said he would restore and improve synergy within the armed forces and among security agencies.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country.
“The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies is important. And [I will ensure that] all Nigerians are being carried along.
“As I have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility. It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on it, and that’s what we’re going to do,” he affirmed.
The former Chief of Defence Staff noted that he was returning to a familiar terrain, pledging to channel the goodwill he had received into tangible outcomes.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians.
“Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work whatever it takes to ensure that Nigeria is secure,” he said.
Musa also revealed that the President gave him a clear charge to deliver security that would be felt in homes, farms and schools nationwide.
He explained, “I just met Mr President, and he reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured.
“Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed. Go back to their farms. Schools open without being molested.
“Everyone will be carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope Programme of Mr President.”
Musa’s remarks came barely 24 hours after his five-hour Senate screening and confirmation on Wednesday.
He succeeded Mohammed Badaru, who served from August 28, 2023, until his resignation on December 1, 2025.
Thursday’s visit was Musa’s second visit to the Villa this week.
At 7:03 p.m. on Monday, Musa was seen being ushered in to see the President while Tinubu announced his nomination as minister the next day.
On Thursday, he arrived at about 3:47 p.m. to be sworn in as defence minister.
His appointment came barely two months after he retired in a broad shake-up of the military high command on October 24, 2025.