Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, an experienced Army Infantry commander, has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria. Just five months after taking charge of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, he will assume leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), pending confirmation according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He will succeed General Lucky Irabor in this prestigious role.
Major General Musa, known for his competence and suitability for the position, previously served as the Theatre Commander for Theatre Command North-East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). He is a distinguished graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, having completed his training in 1986, and has steadily progressed through the ranks, serving in various operational and command roles.
Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto State, North-west Nigeria, Major General Musa received his primary and secondary education in Sokoto. However, he hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in September 1991 as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Corps.
Throughout his career, Major General Musa has held several notable appointments, including Platoon Commander at 192 Battalion, Intelligence Officer at 192 Battalion, Administrative Officer at 2 Div Camp (Garrison), Pioneer Adjutant at 195 Battalion, Operations Officer at NIBATT 8 UNAMSIL, and General Staff Officer 1 Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division. He has also served as Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, Assistant Director of Operational Requirement at the Department of Army Policy and Plans, and Deputy Chief of Staff Training/Operations at HQ Infantry Centre and Corp, among others.
Major General Musa’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, General Operation Medal, Command Medal (CO 73 Bn), Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Silver Jubilee Medal, Meritorious Service, Centenary Medal, Training Support Medal, OP LAST HOLD Medal, OP LAFIYA DOLE Medal, MNJTF Medal, Grand Service Star (GSS), Field Commander Medal of Honour (FCMH), and Operation HADIN KAI Medal (OPHK), among others.
Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa is happily married to Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, and they are blessed with four children.
