The Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation after a voice vote at the Committee of the Whole.
The confirmation followed a screening session that lasted more than three hours.
During the screening, Mr Musa opposed negotiations with bandits and said the Defence Ministry under his watch would work to dislodge groups operating across the country.
He also criticised the deradicalisation programme for former Boko Haram members and said those responsible for attacks should face punitive measures.
Musa called for increased funding for military operations and said the country still imports essential equipment.
He urged Nigerians to stay united against insecurity and stressed the need to secure the nation’s borders.
He also raised concerns about delays in prosecuting suspects and called for shorter trial periods.
The session became rowdy at a point when some lawmakers argued that the nominee should be allowed to take a bow without fielding questions.
After the vote, Senator Akpabio congratulated Musa and urged him to use the office in the fight against criminal activity.
Musa’s screening came a day after President Bola Tinubu nominated him.
It also came amid rising incidents of mass abductions, including the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, shortly after troops reportedly left the area.
Musa said he would investigate the withdrawal of the troops.
He said the military would work with security agencies and government bodies to address the situation.
He noted figures by the National Bureau of Statistics showing ransom payments of N2.23tn between May 2023 and April 2024 and said payments should stop.
According to him, tracking ransom money and deploying technology would support security efforts.
He ruled out negotiations with criminal groups, saying such engagements compromise security and allow groups to regroup and acquire weapons.
