Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, on Thursday backed the newly sworn-in Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), saying the Bola Tinubu administration appears set to “reposition” national security and restore calm across the country.
“It does seem very clear that the President wants to reposition issues of security, and I think the situation is in very good hands,” Kukah told State House correspondents after attending the swearing-in ceremony at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The cleric said he was at the Villa “wearing two caps,” as the Archbishop of Sokoto and as a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto.
He explained, “He was born in Sokoto, and I’m in Sokoto; he’s from Southern Kaduna, and I was born in Southern Kaduna,” adding that the Sultan “knows I’m here, and he brings his greetings.”
Kukah argued that the country’s challenge is clear and revolves around restoring normalcy “by any means possible.”
“We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible. And I think that this job is in very good hands,” he added.
He welcomed signals that Tinubu intends to overhaul the security architecture.
Asked about Musa’s comments during his screening that terrorists require stricter measures, Kukah noted, “We are on all fours as long as that is concerned — rain, thunder, sunshine, whatever it takes to get this mess under control.
“These guys need to be flushed out. Normalcy needs to return to our country. Laughter and joy have to come back to Nigeria within the shortest time possible; all we do is to pray for the best.”
For his part, Musa vowed rapid gains against insecurity, saying Nigerians would see results in the shortest possible time as he rebuilds synergy across the security architecture.
He also pledged to do “whatever it takes” to secure the lives of Nigerians.
“I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he told journalists shortly after taking the oath of office.
The new defence minister said he would restore and strengthen synergy within the armed forces and among security agencies.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully in the country.
“The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies is important. And [I will ensure that] all Nigerians are being carried along.
“As I have always said, security is everybody’s responsibility. It is that synergy that we need to build on and work on, and that’s what we’re going to do,” he affirmed.
The former Chief of Defence Staff noted that he was returning to a familiar terrain, pledging to channel the goodwill he has received into tangible outcomes.
“I want to use this medium to appreciate all Nigerians.
“Nigerians have shown me love, and I will guarantee them that I am going to work — whatever it takes — to ensure that Nigeria is secured,” he said.
Musa also revealed that the President gave him a clear charge to deliver security that is felt in homes, farms and schools nationwide.
He explained, “I just met Mr President, and he reiterated his mind on the aspect that we must make sure that Nigeria is secured.
“Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed. Go back to their farms. Schools open without being molested.
“Everyone will be carried together to make sure that Nigeria continues to grow in line with the Renewed Hope Programme of Mr President.”
Musa’s remarks came barely 24 hours after his five-hour Senate screening and eventual confirmation on Wednesday.
He succeeds Mohammed Badaru, who served from August 28, 2023, until his resignation on December 1, 2025.
It was Musa’s second visit to the Villa this week. At 7:03 p.m. (local time) on Monday, our correspondent sighted him being ushered into the premises to see the President. Tinubu announced his nomination on Tuesday.
On Thursday, he arrived at the Villa at about 3:47 p.m. (local time) to be sworn in as the new Defence Minister.
His appointment came barely two months after he was retired as part of a broad shake-up of the military high command on October 24, 2025.
General Musa, 58, 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, 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.
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, 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.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
His return to the security council comes a month after the United States President, Donald Trump, redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and threatened to invade the country over the alleged mass killing of Christians.
It also comes amid a sharp rise in mass abductions and attacks across several states.
The PUNCH reports that, in the worship centres in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara, kidnapping at least 490 persons.
