Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Defence, Major General Christopher Musa (rtd), has vowed to usher in a new era in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, declaring that the “era of shedding innocent blood” is over.
Musa made the statement on Thursday while officially assuming office following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He pledged a more coordinated, intelligence-driven and people-centred security strategy aimed at restoring peace across the country.
According to Musa, Nigeria has suffered enough from banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime, but stressed that with a unified command structure and renewed military morale, the tide is set to turn.
He said the armed forces under his leadership would prioritise civilian protection, strengthen counter-terrorism operations, and address welfare gaps that have undermined the morale of frontline troops.
Security analysts say Musa’s appointment signals a strategic shift by the Tinubu administration, given his widely praised role in stabilizing areas in the North-East during his service as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai.
The minister also called on citizens to support the military through intelligence-sharing, noting that community collaboration is essential to defeating terror cells still active in several regions.
