TD The Office of the Honourable Minister of Defence has dismissed as false and malicious a rumour circulating across online and social media platforms alleging that General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, intends to step down from his position.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
The ministry described the claim as “an entirely fabricated rumour borne out of complete mischief.”
The statement emphasized that General Musa remains fully focused on his national security mandate and deeply committed to his duties.
Katung-Babatunde emphasised that he is dedicated to steering Nigeria’s defence strategy, with results already being seen.
Call to Disregard Fake News
The ministry urged the general public to disregard the rumour and cautioned media outlets and internet users against spreading unverified information.
It advised that clarifications should always be sought directly from the Office of the Honourable Minister of Defence.
Reaffirming the minister’s position, the statement noted:
“General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy.”
The Defence Ministry reiterated its stance that the rumour is baseless and reaffirmed the minister’s continued service to the nation.
About General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd)
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) is a retired Nigerian Army general and the current Minister of Defence of Nigeria, having assumed office on 4 December 2025.
Before his retirement from active military service, he served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) from 23 June 2023 to 30 October 2025.
He oversees Nigeria’s Armed Forces during a period marked by counter-insurgency, anti-banditry, and counter-terrorism operations.
Born on 25 December 1967 in Sokoto State, General Musa hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy (38th Regular Course) in 1986.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in 1991.
Musa holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy and has attended several military institutions.
Such institutions include:
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the National Defence University, China, and,
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the U.S. Army War College.
General Musa’s Services and Honours
Throughout his military career, General Musa held several key command and staff appointments.
He served as Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin before becoming Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in 2021.
He led military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East.
Musa later served as Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff in 2023.
In recognition of his service to the nation, General Musa has received several honours, including the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Following his retirement from the military, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated him as Minister of Defence.
He now oversees Nigeria’s defence policy and the administration of the Armed Forces in that capacity.
