Major General Christopher Musa has assumed command as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The official ceremony took place on June 23, 2023, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. In this role, Major General Musa will be promoted to a four-star General, succeeding General Lucky Irabor, who retired after 35 years of service.
Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto State, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State. He received his elementary and secondary education in Sokoto before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Infantry Corps on September 21, 1991, as a member of the 38th Regular Course.
Throughout his distinguished career, Major General Musa has undertaken various military and civil courses, including the Mechanical Transportation Officers Course, Young Officers Course (Infantry), Regimental Signal Officers Course, Junior Staff Course, and Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji. He also attended courses in defense and strategy at the International College of Defense Studies National Defense University in China and the National Defence College in China. Furthermore, he completed the Combined Joint Land Component Commander’s Course on Leadership at the US Army War College.
Major General Musa has held several notable appointments during his career. These include Platoon Commander at 192 Battalion, Intelligence Officer at 192 Battalion, Administrative Officer at 2 Division Camp (Garrison), Pioneer Adjutant at 195 Battalion, Operations Officer for NIBATT 8 UNAMSIL, and Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, among others. He has served in various staff and command positions, demonstrating his versatility and leadership capabilities.
He has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Distinguished Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, UNAMSIL Medal, Force Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, among others.
Major General Musa is happily married to Mrs. Lilian Musa, and they have been blessed with four children. He is known for his dedication to service and a commitment to serving humanity.
As the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa is expected to provide strategic leadership, coordinate the activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and work towards enhancing national security and stability. His appointment reflects the confidence placed in him by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
