President Bola Tinubu has nominated a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence.

The nomination was conveyed in a letter sent to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, announcing Musa as the replacement for Mohammed Badaru, who resigned from the position on Monday due to health reasons.

In his letter to the Senate, the President expressed confidence in Musa’s capacity to lead the defence ministry and strengthen Nigeria’s security framework.

The nomination was confirmed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement added, “General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

“Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

“General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career.

“His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

“In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

“In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.”

Newsthumb had earlier reported that Badaru, who was appointed Minister of Defence on August 21, 2023, cited ill health in his resignation letter.

A statement by Onanuga added that Tinubu had accepted the resignation and thanked him for his service to the nation.

The statement further noted, “President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru’s successor later this week.

“His resignation comes amid President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.”

Badaru recently came under criticism following a BBC Hausa interview in which he said some terrorists could not be targeted because their forest hideouts were too dense for bombs to reach.

Stephen Angbulu
With three years of experience, Stephen, The PUNCH correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

The National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday disclosed that the international community was standing firmly with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, with the United States, France and the United Kingdom already providing technical support to ongoing security operations.

Ribadu spoke in Kontagora, Niger State, during a visit to the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Northern Region, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, alongside distraught parents of pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, Papiri.

He said President Bola Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.

Speaking to Christian leaders and parents who gathered at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Ribadu said: “This is a painful period for all of us but I want to assure you: we will rescue your children. The President is deeply concerned and has directed that everything necessary must be done.”

The NSA, accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; and CAN Northern Region Chairman, Joseph Hayab, said operations had been intensified to secure the children’s release.

He conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and resolve, noting that the President had suspended official engagements, including a scheduled trip, to focus on the matter.

Ribadu added that the Federal Government was taking full responsibility for restoring security in the affected communities.

He commended Bishop Yohanna for his leadership and calmness in a period of deep anxiety, assuring that Nigeria was not alone in the battle against terror.

“The whole world stands with us. This evil will not prevail. Your children will come back safely. That is our solemn promise,” he said.

Ribadu stressed that rescue operations would not slow down until the pupils were safely reunited with their families.

Earlier, Bishop Yohanna expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the visit, saying it had renewed hope among families traumatised by the attack. He noted that the show of support demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting citizens.

The 19 northern governors and traditional rulers yesterday urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend mining for six months in the region as part of measures in tackling banditry and halting criminal networks exploiting the sector.

The leaders, who resolved to set up N1 billion monthly Security Trust Fund, also reaffirmed their support for state police.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council converged on the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, for deliberations on the rising insurgency that has devastated the region.

In recent months, only a few of the 19 states in the North were spared of banditry and insurgency.

The governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, who read the communique at the end of the meeting, said northern leaders have identified illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity, fuelling armed groups, financing criminal gangs and destabilising rural communities.

They urged the President to mandate the minister of Solid Minerals to subject all mining licences to a six-month revalidation audit.

Yahaya, who chairs the NGSF, said the forum expressed deep concern about recent killings and mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe, and condoled with the affected families.

The forum lauded President Tinubu for the prompt rescue operations that led to release of some abducted children, and the security agencies for battling insurgents and bandits.

Yahaya said the region is united in backing every decisive step to crush the criminal elements.

He said the governors and monarchs endorsed the push for state police, urging lawmakers from the North to move swiftly to actualise the constitutional amendments required for its operations.

“The forum collectively resolved to work closely with the Federal Government under President Tinubu to turn the tide and ensure lasting peace and stability for our region and the nation,” he added.

To strengthen regional security coordination, Yahaya said the forum approved creation of a Northern Security Trust Fund, to be financed by a N1billion monthly contribution from each state and local government, deducted at source under an agreed framework.

He said the fund, with the proposed mining suspension, would disrupt key revenue channels for armed groups, boost law-enforcement capability, and support a unified security response in the 19 states.

Yahaya said underdevelopment, illiteracy, climate change, unemployment and poor resource management should be addressed in parallel with military responses.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the centralised policing model was grossly inadequate for a nation of over 230 million people and vast ungoverned spaces.

Sani hailed Yahaya’s leadership and lauded other governors for their determination to safeguard their states despite mounting challenges.

He praised traditional rulers for their stabilising presence, describing their wisdom as crucial at this fragile moment.

The Kaduna governor warned against what he called a “troubling trend” of politicising insecurity, accusing some opposition leaders of amplifying fear for partisan advantage.

Sani said: “We must resist this behaviour. We have a President who understands the North, values the North, and consistently demonstrates respect for our perspectives.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, urged the governors to “double their efforts” and unite against the worsening security and other socio-economic maladies.

He said: “As leaders, we need to really tell ourselves the truth. But I want to assure you — we are 100 per cent with you in this drive to make the North a better place, because we don’t have any other place to be.”

Abducted Kwara monarch, six others out of bandits’ custody

Kidnapped Ojibara of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State Alhaji Kamilu Salami has regained freedom.

The monarch and six others escaped from the bandits’ den, it was learnt.

The monarch’s abductors earlier demanded N150 million ransom.

It was gathered that the monarch and six other abductees from the neighbouring community were able to escape following an attack launched on the bandits by the vigilantes, who flooded the forests.

A source said: “The vigilante team launched an attack on the bandits in the forests and engaged them in a gun duel around Eku Idaji, close to Igbaja.

“Although, the Baale and the six other escapees are yet to arrive in the community, they have made contact with members of the community who confirmed what happened.”

Gunmen kidnap farmer in Eruku again

Four gunmen at the weekend attacked Eruku, Ekiti Local Government again, and abducted a farmer, simply identified as Mr Aasaru.

The latest attack on Eruku is the second in a month and occurred barely a week after the Federal Government secured release of 38 abducted members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the community.

It was gathered that the bandits attacked Aasaru in a farm on the road leading to Koro.

Kwara State Police Command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the development.

She said: “Police operatives from Eruku Division received a complaint on Sunday that four armed men invaded a farm on Koro Road, Eruku, about 1230hours, and abducted Aasanru, aged 40.

“Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of police, military personnel and local vigilante members was deployed in the area for an intensive search and rescue operation.”

She said efforts were on to secure release of the abducted farmer.

‘Fed Govt to expose terrorism financiers, tighten border security’

Identities of terrorists and their financiers are to be made public by the Federal Government, Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has said.

This is part of sweeping security measures to disrupt funding networks sustaining violent groups in the country, Bwala, special adviser to the President on Public Communication, said during a chat on a national television monitored in Lagos.

He was answering questions on issues about Nigeria-US collaboration on the battle against terror, surge in attacks and the steps being taken to contain rising insecurity.

Bwala, who noted that terrorism has evolved into a threat that extends beyond national borders, said the government was working on exposing those behind terror financing.

According to him, the President has taken “far-reaching and tough decisions” to cripple the financial backbone of terrorists.

“The lifeline of all terrorist activities is finance. When you cut the finance from them, it dies naturally. Previous administrations knew the financiers but were either unwilling or unable to act. This President is not going to tolerate that.

“In the next few days, Nigerians will know who the terrorists are, and those funding them.”

Bwala noted that terror groups operating often wield sophisticated weapons, surveillance drones and military fatigues, which clearly point to established financing channels in and outside the country.

He referenced the U.S. strategy that defeated ISIS by blocking its financial supply lines, arguing that Nigeria must adopt a similar approach.

Bwala said strengthening security along Nigeria’s porous borders was critical, noting that terrorists moving from the Sahel rely heavily on uncontrolled routes to transport arms, fighters and illicit funds.

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He added that recent attacks on schools, religious centres and remote communities have reinforced the need for a shift in strategy.

According to him, terrorists now target schools and children, prompting revival of the “Safe Schools Initiative” under Ministry of Finance.

Religious bodies, he said, have also been advised to strengthen internal security vigilance.

On cooperation with the U.S., Bwala said Nigeria is seeking intelligence-based support rather than foreign boots on the ground.

“If you bring foreign troops who don’t understand our terrain or asymmetric warfare, they will be killed like chickens,” he said.

Instead, the government wants advanced drone systems, satellite imagery, technical surveillance and community-based intelligence to drive more effective operations.

Bwala linked the recent rise in terror activities to two major theories:

“Attempts by foreign interests to justify military intervention in Nigeria; and political sabotage ahead of future elections aimed at destabilising the government.”

He added that criminal elements in communities have also taken advantage of the situation, while propaganda networks, including AI-generated fake news and cloned voices, were being deployed to fuel panic.

Despite these challenges, he said global partners recognise Nigeria’s broader strategy and are willing to support efforts to dismantle the financing, recruitment and movement of terrorists in the country.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have partnered to strengthen security in schools as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration.

The partnership was formalised during a visit to UBEC by Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

According to NAF spokeman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS stressed the need for stronger ties between security agencies and education authorities to safeguard learning environments, especially in vulnerable areas.

Nigerian Politics Analysis
He said Air Marshal Aneke welcomed deeper cooperation under UBEC’s Safe School Programme to improve monitoring, accountability and protection of basic education facilities.

The CAS also highlighted NAF’s contribution to secure an inclusive learning through its 20 primary and 13 secondary schools, adding that the service was upgrading facilities, improving digital literacy and supporting teacher development.

He listed priority areas for partnership, including infrastructure support for NAF schools, joint teacher training, integration into UBEC’s digital education platforms and strengthened quality assurance.

Air Marshal Aneke noted that enhanced collaboration with UBEC would boost deployment of safe-school technologies and modern learning systems.

UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, welcomed the partnership, lauding NAF’s role in national development.

She said no education system can thrive without safety, and pledged the commission’s commitment to technical cooperation that improves school security, learning outcomes and resilience in the basic education sector.

Police intercept French, Arabic speaking migrants in Nasarawa

Nasarawa State Police Command has intercepted several foreign nationals, mostly Malians, allegedly trafficked into the state under the guise of job opportunities abroad.

Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed told reporters in Lafia that the migrants spoke only French and Arabic. He said intelligence showed that they were brought into Orange Market, Mararaba, Karu Local Government, where they were held for about a week.

According to him, about 10:40 am on November 30, operatives acting on credible information raided a bungalow in the area and rescued 32 men and seven women.

He said the victims were Malian nationals, except one Ivorian, adding that they were lured by a Malian, identified as Abdullahi Berter, who promised to help them secure jobs in France but instead trafficked them into Nigeria.

The suspect, who reportedly instructed them to bring in more recruits for an unspecified operation, is at large. A manhunt has been launched for him and his accomplices.

The commissioner said the rescued victims would be handed over to Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.

Mohammed also announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapper in Kertyo Village, Obi Local Government. He said operatives, while acting on intelligence, arrested Abubakar Adamu of Adudu District, Awe council, adding that he led detectives to his Ruga, where an AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.

He is under investigation and will be charged to court.

Police kill three bandits, foil planned attack in Abuja

It was end of the road yesterday for three bandits in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Three of the gang members, who were said to have planned to attack some communities in Abuja were neutralised by the police command in a coordinated ambush on their hideouts in Kwali.

Intelligence reports showed that the criminals had concluded plans to strike the community on or before December 1, prompting Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify operations and track the syndicate’s movement.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the operation began after officers traced and arrested a key conspirator, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko, about 2:11 p.m. on November 30.

His mobile phone, suspected to be the primary device used to coordinate the gang’s operations, was recovered from him.

Though the police did not name the specific community targeted for the planned attack, Adeh said: “Investigations confirmed that the suspect belonged to the gang responsible for the previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO and Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple robbery incidents in Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

He also admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged on to begin their next planned community attack”.

She explained that the Anti-Kidnapping team advanced into the forest about 11:01 p.m., reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid an ambush.

Adeh continued: “On sighting the operatives, the bandits opened fire. The Police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel, during which three of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped with ‘gunshot wounds”.

Items recovered from the bandits include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of live ammunition.

The police said a joint operation involving operatives and troops of 176 Battalion is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes. Medical facilities in the area have also been placed on the alert to report persons coming with bullet wounds.

The commissioner hailed the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information.

Senate postpones National Security Summit ‘indefinitely’

The Senate has postponed its planned National Security Summit, scheduled to begin in Abuja, yesterday.

The Senate Planning Committee on the summit, at the weekend, wrote to invitees, notifying them of the postponement.

Although some sources suggested the summit might hold in January, there was no official confirmation.

Senate spokesman Adeyemi Adaramodu is yet to comment on the development.