Who Is the Current Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria (2025)?
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Lieutenant General Christopher Gwabin Musa. |
As of 2025, the current Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria is Lieutenant General Christopher Gwabin Musa. He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, as part of a sweeping security reform that saw the replacement of all service chiefs.
His appointment came at a crucial time when Nigeria continues to grapple with diverse security threats including terrorism, banditry, and secessionist agitations.
Who Is Lt. Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa?
Lt. Gen. Musa hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State and is a member of the 38 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Before becoming COAS, he served as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the major counterinsurgency operation against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East.
His vast field experience, intelligence-driven leadership, and coordination with sister security agencies have earned him a reputation for decisive military strategies.
Duties of the Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria
The Chief of Army Staff is the top commander of the Nigerian Army. His duties include:
- Directing operational strategy and military doctrine
- Supervising troop welfare, training, and deployment
- Overseeing logistics and arms procurement
- Supporting the federal government’s internal security agenda
- Coordinating with the Chief of Defence Staff and National Security Council
For updates, visit the Nigerian Army official website.
Security Challenges Facing Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa
Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army has intensified military operations in key flashpoints:
- North East: Combating Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Borno and Yobe states
- North West: Neutralizing bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto
- North Central: Addressing communal clashes and herder-farmer conflicts
- South East: Targeting violent elements of IPOB and ESN through intelligence operations
- South South: Tackling crude oil theft and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta
Reforms and Vision of the COAS
General Musa’s leadership philosophy is centered on the theme: “Building a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”
His major priorities include:
-
Modernizing the Army’s Equipment and Intelligence Capabilities
Leveraging technology for surveillance, combat drones, and rapid response. -
Boosting Troop Morale
Enhancing welfare packages, medical care, and accommodation for personnel. -
Improving Civil-Military Relations
Establishing trust with civilians and respecting human rights in all operations. -
Institutional Accountability
Enforcing strict disciplinary procedures and ethical conduct within the ranks.
Linkages with Other Institutions
Lt. Gen. Musa works closely with:
- The Nigeria Police Force
- The Ministry of Defence
- The Police Service Commission
- The Ministry of Police Affairs
- The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
These collaborations form the backbone of Nigeria’s multi-agency response to insecurity.
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- Nigeria Police Academy Admission Info
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Final Thoughts
Lt. Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, as the Chief of Army Staff in 2025, represents a new era of professionalism, strategic leadership, and operational excellence in the Nigerian Army. With his robust background and commitment to national peace and security, he continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s defense sector amid persistent security challenges.
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