Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports alleging that he resigned from office, describing the claims as false and announcing plans to take legal action against those responsible for spreading them.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Musa said he had never contemplated resigning and was unaware of the source of the report.
“I am not going anywhere. I have never discussed this. I don’t even know who the person is that brought that information.
“But whoever it is, we will take legal action against them,” Musa said.
The minister arrived at the Aso Rock Villa at about 3:00 p.m. and left shortly after 4:00 p.m., amid widespread speculation over his continued stay in office.
Reacting to the reports, Musa insisted there had been no discussion about his resignation and alleged that those behind the claims were attempting to discredit the progress being made in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“Whoever it is, we will take legal action against them. I am sure we will get them.
“He will come and explain who gave him such information,” Musa said.
He described the reports as an effort to undermine public confidence in the government’s security achievements.
“We are surprised. I was shocked when I saw that. I don’t know where that came from.
“But you always expect that there will be people who will not be happy when things are going well.
“Security is improving, things are getting better, and for them, that is a sad point. They always want to make it look as if it is not so,” he said.
Musa explained that his meeting with President Tinubu was part of routine security briefings and disclosed that the President commended the armed forces for their ongoing efforts.
“I just came back from briefing Mr President on the current security situation, and he is very happy with us. We are going to continue doing well.”
The Defence Minister also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for supporting the military’s operations, stressing that defeating terrorism and banditry requires collective effort.
“I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for all the support.
“The support has been massive. To defeat the terrorists and the bandits is a whole-of-society approach. Nigerians have keyed into it, and things are getting better, and they will continue to improve.”
Musa was appointed Minister of Defence by President Tinubu on December 2, 2025, after serving as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from July 2023.
