Defence Minister denies resignation, threatens legal action

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports that he resigned from office, describing them as false and threatening legal action against those responsible for spreading the rumour.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Musa said he had never discussed leaving office and was shocked by the reports.

“I am not going anywhere. I have never discussed this. I don’t even know who started the rumour.

“But whoever it is, we will take legal action against them,” he said.

Musa said the reports were intended to undermine public confidence in the government’s security efforts, insisting that the administration was making significant progress in tackling insecurity.

“We were surprised. I was shocked when I saw that. I don’t know where it came from.

“But you should expect that some people will not be happy when things are going well. Security is improving, things are getting better, and they want to create a different impression,” he said.

The minister explained that his meeting with President Tinubu was a routine security briefing and added that the President expressed satisfaction with the military’s performance.

“I just briefed Mr President on the current security situation, and he is very happy with our efforts. We will continue to do our best,” Musa said.

He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies, stressing that defeating terrorism and banditry requires collective effort.

“I want to appreciate Nigerians for their support. The fight against terrorists and bandits requires a whole-of-society approach. Nigerians have embraced this, and the security situation is improving. We will continue to build on these gains,” he added.

Musa was appointed Minister of Defence by President Tinubu in December 2025 after serving as Chief of Defence Staff from July 2023.