The Federal Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security and supporting the Armed Forces in ongoing operations across the country, dismissing rumours alleging that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), had resigned from office.
General Musa made the clarification while speaking with State House correspondents after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the nation’s security situation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He described the reports as baseless and insisted that he remains fully committed to the responsibilities entrusted to him.
“I am not going anywhere. I have never discussed this. We are surprised. I was shocked when I saw that. I don’t know where that came from. I don’t even know who the person is that brought that information. But whoever it is, we will take legal action against them.”
The Minister explained that his meeting with President Tinubu focused on the security situation across the country and the progress being recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
According to him, the President expressed satisfaction with the gains being made by security agencies and encouraged them to sustain the momentum until lasting peace is restored in all affected parts of the country.
“I just briefed Mr President on the current security situation across the country. Mr President is happy with the progress we are making, but we know there is still more work to be done.”
General Musa said the Armed Forces remain focused on their constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, noting that operations are continuing across various theatres to ensure criminal elements are denied freedom of action.
He also acknowledged the support of Nigerians, describing public cooperation as a critical component of ongoing security operations.
“We thank Nigerians for their support. Security is everybody’s responsibility, and the cooperation we are receiving from citizens is contributing immensely to the successes being recorded.”
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Defence, working in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, would continue to strengthen ongoing operations and remain focused on delivering improved security outcomes across the country.
He urged the public to disregard the false reports of his resignation, stressing that neither the Ministry nor the Armed Forces would be distracted from their commitment to protecting the nation.
The Ministry had earlier, in an official statement, described the resignation reports as “malicious” and “entirely fabricated,” stating that General Musa “remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy with results already being seen.”
The reassurance comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to consolidate security gains through enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency collaboration and sustained military operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.
