According to credible insiders in the presidency, the decision was driven by growing security concerns and pressure from key ministers who insisted that Nigeria urgently needed a defence minister with deep military experience.
General Musa was nominated on Tuesday, December 2, to become the new Minister of Defence—barely five weeks after he left office as CDS on October 30.
General Musa was nominated on Tuesday, December 2, to become the new Minister of Defence—barely five weeks after he left office as CDS on October 30.
His removal at the time was described as part of a “routine military reshuffle,” but his quick return has raised many questions.
According to a report by Daily Trust, a senior source inside the presidency revealed that some powerful ministers close to President Tinubu advised him to appoint someone with hands-on military knowledge.
According to a report by Daily Trust, a senior source inside the presidency revealed that some powerful ministers close to President Tinubu advised him to appoint someone with hands-on military knowledge.
They argued that the worsening security situation required a minister who fully understood Nigeria’s battlefields, its enemies, and the internal weaknesses of the armed forces.
The source added that these ministers convinced the president that the Ministry of Defence needed “a strong, experienced, and familiar hand”—and General Musa fit that description perfectly.
Hours before the announcement, General Musa visited the Presidential Villa around 7 pm on Monday, December 1.
The source added that these ministers convinced the president that the Ministry of Defence needed “a strong, experienced, and familiar hand”—and General Musa fit that description perfectly.
Hours before the announcement, General Musa visited the Presidential Villa around 7 pm on Monday, December 1.
He went straight into a private meeting with President Tinubu. Though the agenda was not made public, his nomination came the next morning, signaling that the meeting played a major role in the final decision.
His appointment came just after the resignation of the former Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, who had served since 2023.
One month after Musa’s removal as CDS, Nigeria witnessed a sharp rise in high-profile attacks:
300 pupils and 15 teachers were kidnapped in Niger State
Students were abducted in Kebbi State
Church worshippers were kidnapped in Kwara State
Bandits carried out deadly shootings and raids in several northern states
These events reportedly increased the pressure on President Tinubu to bring in someone with strong security leadership and field experience.
In response to the rising attacks, President Tinubu recently ordered massive recruitment into the armed forces. The police alone have been authorised to recruit 20,000 new personnel.
The President also directed that NYSC camps across Nigeria be used to train new police recruits, saying the move would speed up their deployment.
According to Tinubu, earlier upgrades have already been approved for police training centers nationwide.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was among the first political leaders to react. In a long statement, he praised President Tinubu, describing him as “a leader committed to securing this nation.”
He also called General Musa’s return “a vote of confidence,” saying the ex-CDS has the discipline and experience needed to strengthen Nigeria’s defence system.
General Musa’s reappointment marks one of the fastest returns to power in recent Nigerian political history.
His appointment came just after the resignation of the former Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, who had served since 2023.
One month after Musa’s removal as CDS, Nigeria witnessed a sharp rise in high-profile attacks:
300 pupils and 15 teachers were kidnapped in Niger State
Students were abducted in Kebbi State
Church worshippers were kidnapped in Kwara State
Bandits carried out deadly shootings and raids in several northern states
These events reportedly increased the pressure on President Tinubu to bring in someone with strong security leadership and field experience.
In response to the rising attacks, President Tinubu recently ordered massive recruitment into the armed forces. The police alone have been authorised to recruit 20,000 new personnel.
The President also directed that NYSC camps across Nigeria be used to train new police recruits, saying the move would speed up their deployment.
According to Tinubu, earlier upgrades have already been approved for police training centers nationwide.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani was among the first political leaders to react. In a long statement, he praised President Tinubu, describing him as “a leader committed to securing this nation.”
He also called General Musa’s return “a vote of confidence,” saying the ex-CDS has the discipline and experience needed to strengthen Nigeria’s defence system.
General Musa’s reappointment marks one of the fastest returns to power in recent Nigerian political history.
With his nomination now before the National Assembly, many Nigerians are watching to see whether his second coming can help address the country’s deepening insecurity.
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