Newly appointed Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), on Friday declared that Nigeria has entered a decisive phase in ending killings and restoring public confidence, insisting that “the shedding of innocent blood is over.”
Musa, who formally assumed office at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, said his mandate under President Bola Tinubu will be anchored on urgency, accountability and strategic rebuilding of the country’s security architecture.
“This is the time to take ownership. Change will not come from rhetoric,” Musa stated. “Citizens deserve to live without fear. Our children must return to school and farmers to their farms.”
The former Chief of Defence Staff said his return to the ministry was backed by national expectation and a presidential charge to deliver results without excuses.
Musa declared military welfare a top priority: “Anyone who lays down his life for this nation deserves maximum respect.”
He pledged immediate improvements in allowances, medical support, equipment supply and housing for serving and injured personnel, as well as families of the fallen.
He added that no soldier “will again be sent to the field under equipped, underpaid or ignored.”
The minister unveiled a three-point defence strategy — operational effectiveness, joint standard action across services, and strategic foresight driven by data and technology.
He vowed to dismantle silos across security agencies, saying once decisions are taken, “we move as one united team.”
On discipline, Musa was blunt: “There will be zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption and bureaucratic slowness. If we make mistakes, we will correct them immediately.”
Musa said data and modern surveillance will replace guesswork, promising deeper cooperation with allies and domestic agencies.
“We cannot depend on experience alone; technology must drive our operations,” he said.
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He urged defence staff — uniformed and civilian — to take initiative and move from routine to results-driven action, describing morale as “a force multiplier.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, said Musa’s appointment was a turning point for the nation’s security system, adding that the ministry stands ready to support him fully.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, also pledged the Armed Forces’ total loyalty, saying Musa’s entry signals “a fresh season of sincerity, unity and collective action.”
“We must be sincere and approach these challenges together,” Oluyede said.
Musa, who pledged to “hit the ground running,” told Nigerians that the mission is clear and achievable:
“The task is enormous, but it is manageable. We can win. We will win.”
