Gen. Musa Vows To Investigate Troops’ Withdrawal Before Kebbi Schoolgirls Abduction, Brigadier General’s Killing

Nigeria’s Minister-designate for Defence and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday stunned the Senate with a solemn pledge to launch immediate investigations into two shocking security lapses: the mysterious withdrawal of troops hours before bandits abducted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the brutal killing of a brigade commander by terrorists in Borno.

Appearing for his ministerial screening before the Senate Committee on Defence, the four-star general described the incidents as “painful and unacceptable,” declaring that any act of “insolence or cowardice” within the armed forces would no longer be tolerated under his watch.

“Troops reportedly withdrew from their duty posts before the attack on Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State on November 17. That is completely unacceptable,” Gen. Musa told lawmakers.

“I give you my word: the moment I am confirmed, a high-powered committee will be set up to investigate why troops left their positions, who gave the order, and why those schoolgirls were left defenceless.”

Gen. Musa also pledged to probe the recent ambush and execution of Brigadier General Musa Uba, a brigade commander, by terrorists in Borno State – the highest-ranking officer killed in combat in recent years.

“It is very unfortunate and really painful. Terrorists must never have the capacity to do this to our officers,” he said, voice firm. “We will go after them with everything we have. No stone will be left unturned.”

The retired CDS, who served 39 years in uniform, told the Senate that from “Day One” in office he would:

– Review all ongoing military operations
– Tackle chronic underfunding of the armed forces
– Strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative to prevent another mass abduction
– Crack down on illegal mining – a major funding source for terrorists and bandits
– Push for urgent review of obsolete security laws
– Adopt a “whole-of-society” approach involving communities, technology, and regional cooperation

“Security is local. We must work with communities, not just with guns,” he stressed, warning that Nigeria remains a prime target because terrorists see the country as “rich and disunited.”

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle praised the nominee’s candour. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as “one of the most reassuring in recent memory.”

As Gen. Musa left the chamber, he turned to journalists and delivered a final message:
“This is personal for me. Those schoolgirls, that slain General, our troops on the frontlines – they deserve justice. I will not fail them.”

The Senate is expected to confirm his nomination later this week.
If approved, Nigeria’s war against terror and banditry will have its most battle-tested Defence Minister in over a decade.