In another major move to address the nation’s security challenges, former Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa is set to replace Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar as Nigeria’s Defence Minister, according to top government sources.
The development follows the resignation of Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on Monday, citing health reasons. His departure was confirmed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
General Musa met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday evening—his first public engagement with the President since his retirement from military service on October 24, 2025.
During the meeting, President Tinubu informed Musa of his intention to appoint him as the next Defence Minister, signalling a strategic shift in the country’s security leadership.
Badaru Abubakar, a former two-term Governor of Jigawa State (2015–2023), served as Defence Minister for just over two years after his appointment in August 2023.
His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, with further details on the government’s response expected in the coming days.
President Tinubu has accepted Abubakar’s resignation and expressed gratitude for his service to the nation. The President is expected to formally notify the Senate of the new ministerial nomination later this week.
