The Senate has approved the appointment of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence following a five-hour questioning by lawmakers on Wednesday.

General Musa was approved by lawmakers in the Senate chambers after his screening, just a day after President Bola Tinubu put forward his nomination for the role to replace Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned due to health reasons.

During the screening, Musa vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to banditry and terrorism once he assumes office.

He assured lawmakers that he would adopt firm, decisive strategies to tackle the nation’s worsening security challenges.

The former Chief of Defence Staff emphasised that under his leadership, the armed forces would not hesitate to apply maximum force against criminal groups threatening peace across communities.

Musa also promised to probe the reported withdrawal of military personnel ahead of the attack on Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Additionally, he pledged to set up a committee to investigate the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and condemned the abduction and murder of a brigade commander by terrorists in Borno State, insisting the matter would be thoroughly examined.