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General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), former Chief of Defence Staff and one of Nigeria’s most decorated military officers, has assumed office as the new Minister of Defence. Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto, the retired four-star general hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State and belongs to the Infantry Corps. He is a member of the 38th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on September 21, 1991.
Early Life and Education
Musa’s early education was rooted in Sokoto, where he attended Marafa Danbaba Primary School (1974–1978) and Model Primary School, Dorowa Road (1978–1980). He later went through the Vocational Training Centre, Gaummi, before moving to Federal Government College, Sokoto, where he completed his secondary education in 1985.
He proceeded to the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1990. Musa also holds an Advanced Diploma in Security Management from the University of Lagos and a Master’s Degree in Military Science from the National Defence University, Beijing, China.
Military Training and Professional Courses
A highly trained officer, Musa attended several military and strategic courses within and outside Nigeria, including the Young Officers Course (Infantry), Regimental Signals Officers Course, Junior and Senior Command and Staff Courses at Jaji, and the Combined Joint Land Component Commander’s Course at the United States Army War College.
He also completed advanced programmes in Defence and Strategic Studies at the International College of Defence Studies (ICDS), National Defence University, China.
Distinguished Military Career
General Musa’s military career is marked by extensive field command, operational leadership, and strategic roles across various theatres. He served as Platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, Administrative Officer, Pioneer Adjutant of 195 Battalion, and Operations Officer for NIBATT 8 under the UN Mission in Sierra Leone.
He later held key command and staff appointments including:
- Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion
- Chief of Staff, 2 Division Headquarters
- Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army
- Commander, 82 Division Task Force Brigade, Operation LAST HOLD
- Commander, Sector 3, Operation LAFIYA DOLE and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin
- Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Army Research Centre
In June 2021, he was appointed Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, where he led major counter-terrorism operations. His leadership earned him widespread commendation for operational efficiency and troop morale enhancement.
In 2023, General Musa was appointed Chief of Defence Staff, serving until 2025 before his elevation to the Federal Executive Council as Minister of Defence.
Honours and Decorations
General Musa is a recipient of numerous national and international honours, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, UNAMSIL Service Medal, Centenary Medal, and several operational medals such as OP LAST HOLD, OP LAFIYA DOLE, MNJTF, and OP HADIN KAI medals. He is also a Fellow of the National Defence University, Beijing.
Personal Life
General Musa is married to Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, and they are blessed with four children. He is widely respected for his commitment to service, discipline, and humanitarian values.
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