BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The newly appointed Minister of Defence and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has promised to investigate the withdrawal of troops before an attack on the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State.
This is against the backdrop of reports and widespread concerns that troops allegedly withdrew from their positions shortly before 25 schoolgirls were abducted at the school on November 17, 2025.
General Musa, who spoke at his ministerial screening by the Senate, said a committee would be set up to investigate the report as well as the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba immediately he assumes duty as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.
While condemning the capture and killing of General Uba by terrorists in Borno State, he assured lawmakers that the committee would probe the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate episode.
According to him, “It is very unfortunate and really painful. I want to assure Nigerians that we will not stand by and have terrorists have the capacity to do such.
“We are going to go after them fully working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (of government). We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”
General Musa, who emphasized the need for strict professionalism, maintained that the Armed Forces would not tolerate any act of insolence or cowardice within its fold.
He promised that there there would be robust and enhanced oversight of military operations to ensure prompt and decisive action when required.
Making reference to his 39 years of military service, General Musa confirmed his full readiness to confront the nation’s security challenges head on, even as he expressed confidence that Nigeria can win the war against terrorism and banditry but only with the necessary support and cooperation across security institutions.
However, the Ministerial nominee, who also acknowledged that the significant gaps existing within the Armed Forces have continued to hinder their effectiveness, said: “From day one, we will review all ongoing activities, identifying adequate funding as fundamental.”
The former CDS, while stressing the need to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI), also said many schools across the country remain exposed and vulnerable to attacks by criminal elements
For him, there is an urgent need to build the capacity of local communities and adopt a whole-of-society approach that integrates technology, community participation and coordinated security operations.
On the need for zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and banditry in the country, he said this must be anchored on collaboration with local communities, since security is localized.
He insisted that such measures are critical to effectively address and end the recurring incidents of kidnapping
Importantly, the retired General, who said accountability within the Armed Forces must not be taken for granted, drew the lawmakers’ attention to the fact that many existing laws are obsolete and require urgent review, even as he identified unregulated mining activities as a major source of funding for criminal groups.
He therefore emphasized the importance of having tighter monitoring systems supported by modern technology, lamenting that most agencies do not operate at full capacity, a situation which render them ineffective in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
The former Defence Chief said aside from promoting synergy, there must harmonization of security agencies’ roles with one another as well as robust engagement with neighbouring countries, given the transnational nature of terrorism and banditry.
Cautioning that Nigeria has more to lose if security institutions fail to work together, General Musa said terrorists perceive the country as rich and therefore it remains a prime target for their criminal activities.
