Ex-CDS Musa meets Tinubu, may replace Badaru as Defence Minister

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa (retd.) on Monday visited President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, sparking speculation that he could be considered to replace Badaru Abubakar as Defence Minister.

Musa arrived at the State House at 7:03 p.m., dressed in a dark-green northern-style traditional outfit, and was escorted to the President’s office wing by a senior security official.

This marks his first public engagement with the President since retiring on October 24, 2025.

Although the purpose of the meeting was not officially disclosed, sources suggest that discussions may have focused on Nigeria’s ongoing national security challenges.

Musa’s visit comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency, which includes the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, deployment of forest guards, and enhanced protection for schools, churches, and mosques in vulnerable areas.

The security situation in northern and central Nigeria has worsened in recent weeks, with incidents such as the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi, 38 worshippers in Kwara, and over 300 students and teachers in Niger State.

In a coordinated 13-day wave of attacks, bandits took at least 490 captives, including monarchs, students, worshippers, and travellers.

Musa, a member of the 38th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, was appointed CDS by President Tinubu in June 2023 and served until his retirement in October 2025.

Analysts say his military experience and prior leadership of the Armed Forces make him a strong candidate for the Defence Ministry role.