Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, on Thursday expressed confidence in newly sworn-in Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), saying President Bola Tinubu appears determined to overhaul and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking with State House correspondents after attending Musa’s swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Kukah said the administration’s direction signalled a renewed commitment to restoring peace nationwide.
“It does seem very clear that the President wants to reposition issues of security, and I think the situation is in very good hands,” he said.
Kukah, who noted that he was at the event both as Archbishop of Sokoto and as a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, argued that Nigeria’s most urgent task is returning 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 said. Responding to Musa’s earlier remarks on applying stricter measures against terrorists, Kukah declared: “We are on all fours… whatever it takes to get this mess under control. These guys need to be flushed out.”
Shortly after taking the oath of office, Musa pledged to deliver quick and visible improvements in national security. “I can assure you, within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he said. The former Chief of Defence Staff promised to rebuild synergy across the armed forces and security agencies, describing cooperation as essential to defeating criminal groups.
“My immediate priority is to make sure that defence takes its place fully. The synergy between the armed forces and other security agencies is important,” he added. “Security is everybody’s responsibility… that’s what we’re going to work on.”
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Musa said President Tinubu had given him a clear mandate to ensure Nigerians feel safe in their homes, on their farms and in their schools. “Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed… Everyone will be carried along.”
His appointment comes days after his Senate screening and confirmation, following his retirement from the military on October 24, 2025. Musa, 58, previously served as Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai; Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps; and Chief of Defence Staff. He received the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.
Musa assumes office amid heightened insecurity marked by mass abductions and attacks across several states, including recent assaults on worship centres in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara, where at least 490 persons were kidnapped. His appointment also follows the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by US President Donald Trump.
In his nomination letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Musa’s ability to strengthen national defence and help rebuild public trust in the country’s security institutions.