The screening of the former CDS came at the time of heightened insecurity in the country, with mass abductions, especially in schools, becoming commonplace. One such incident was the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, with reports that troops left just before the assailants stormed the school.
Musa said that one of the first things he would do is to probe the alleged withdrawal of the troops, insisting that the military is not known for cowardice.
The minister, who was dressed in a brown kaftan and a hula (cap), said during the screening attended by his family members, said: ‘We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government).
‘We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities’.
Although the recent wave of mass abductions has been in schools, especially in the country’s northern region, kidnapping for ransom is a booming industry in parts of Nigeria.
Musa, however, said that Nigeria ‘must stop ransom payments’ and in situations where such is done, ‘we can track the monies being paid’, emphasising the use of technology in the fight against insecurity.
‘The use of technology is very important. Like I said, if are able to have a database – every Nigerian has a number linked to everything you have electronically – we can monitor everything’, Musa said.
He ruled out negotiation with criminals, insisting it ‘comprises security’. According to him, such a move gives the assailants time to regroup and also buy weapons, which they use in attacking communities.
He underpinned the importance of building the capacity of local communities and adopting a whole-of-society approach that integrates technology, community participation, and coordinated security operations.
According to him, such measures are critical to effectively addressing and ending the recurring incidents of kidnapping.
Musa expressed deep regret over the persistent insecurity in the country, describing the situation as very unfortunate.
He underscored the need to strengthen the safe-school initiative, noting that many schools remain exposed and vulnerable to attacks.
The nominee also highlighted the need to improve accountability within the armed forces while calling for full cooperation and coordination among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
He said that many agencies were not operating at full capacity and must harmonise their roles with one another and with neighbouring countries, given the transnational nature of terrorism.
He warned that Nigeria had more to lose if security institutions failed to work together, noting that terrorists often perceive the country as rich and therefore a prime target.
Musa reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and banditry, anchored on collaboration with local communities, since security is localised.
The nominee further pointed out that many existing laws remain obsolete and require urgent review.
He identified unregulated mining activities as a major source of funding for criminal groups and underscored the need for tighter monitoring supported by modern technology.
Tension had earlier been generated in the chamber as lawmakers objected to attempts to conclude Musa’s screening as the Minister of Defence, and allow him to take a bow.
Senator Sani Musa of Niger East Senatorial District had urged the Senate to allow the former service chief to take a bow and leave after responding to a few questions.
But those opposed to the idea insisted that the ministerial nominee must be subjected to more rigorous questioning.
The chamber became rowdy as senators stood in defiance, demanding further engagement with the nominee.
After several minutes of disruptions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, rose — an action which, according to the rule book, signifies a call for order.
He urged the lawmakers to remain calm, underscoring that the purpose of the session was to ask questions that would reassure Nigerians during a period of heightened insecurity.
Akpabio, therefore, urged the nominee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported withdrawal of soldiers from the Kebbi school where the recent abduction of schoolgirls took place.
