Innocent bloodshed over, new Defence Minister, Gen. Musa assures Nigerians. By Ladidi Al-Hassan

Innocent bloodshed over, new Defence Minister, Gen. Musa assures Nigerians 

“The shedding of innocent blood is over,” Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, declared this on Friday, as he assumed office at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

He pledged to lead with urgency, accountability and a renewed national purpose, noting that his appointment was backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the trust of the Nigerian people.

“After 39 years in service, it is a great privilege to return and serve as Minister of Defence. The love Nigerians have shown us demonstrates their belief that we can turn the tide,” he said.

According to him, sustainable change would be achieved through collective action rather than rhetoric.

“As Nigerians, we must take ownership of the challenges confronting our country.

“Only we can solve our problems. The shedding of innocent blood is over. Citizens deserve to live without fear.

“Our children must return to school, and farmers must return to their farms,” he added.

Musa emphasised that the welfare of military personnel and their families was critical to restoring public confidence and operational effectiveness.

“Anyone willing to lay down his life for this country deserves the highest respect,” he said, promising swift measures to provide troops with essential kits, prompt operational allowances, decent accommodation, and medical support, especially for injured personnel and bereaved families.

Outlining his vision for the ministry, Gen. Musa identified three core pillars: operational effectiveness, unified action across services, and strategic foresight.

He promised a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations to eliminate silos, stressing that once decisions were made, all services must move as one united team.

The minister described technology and intelligence as central to modern defence operations and pledged to strengthen cooperation with security agencies while tapping into global partnerships.

He stated that data—not only experience—would guide defence planning and decision-making.

Musa warned that lapses in discipline, corruption or bureaucratic delays would not be tolerated.

“If mistakes are made, the necessary corrective actions must be taken immediately,” he said.

The minister described morale as a “force multiplier”, urging all personnel—uniformed and civilian—to give their best and take initiative without waiting to be instructed.

He praised the role of the civil service, describing civil servants as “the institutional memory and framework for sustainability”, and said he was counting on their diligence to translate military objectives into practical administrative and budgetary outcomes.

Calling for national unity, he reassured Nigerians of his readiness to work tirelessly.

“We are hitting the ground running. The task ahead is enormous, but it is achievable. We can win. We will win,” he declared.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, described Musa’s assumption of office as a defining moment for the ministry and the country’s security architecture.

He assured that management and staff were committed to supporting his leadership, noting that his appointment by President Tinubu was a clear expression of confidence in his competence and experience.

Pheelangwa said the 67-year-old ministry, which comprises civilian and military staff, remains committed to professionalism, integrity and accountability in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, welcomed the minister and said his assumption of office marked a new phase of sincerity, unity and collective action in addressing national security challenges.

Oluyede assured him of the full support of the Armed Forces, stressing that strong leadership was vital to restoring public confidence and enhancing operational outcomes.

“We are glad to have him here and look forward to a more robust approach to solving our challenges.

“We must be sincere in our approach and address these issues collectively. We need the buy-in of the minister to drive the process, and government must demonstrate the will to make it happen,” he said.