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SPECIAL REPORT: The Return of GC Musa and the Challenges Ahead

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, 24th October, 2025, the President announced sweeping changes in the military hierarchy.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

It added, “The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu; Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff; while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.”

The development came barely a week after an online media platform, Sahara Reporters, published a story alleging that some military officers plotted to remove President Tinubu.

Hence, the citizens summarily adjudged that General Christopher Musa was sacked on that note.

While on the other hand, Nigerians differ on his leadership role as the Chief of Defence Staff:

a. Some Nigerians are of the opinion that GC Musa did extremely well in the fight against insurgencies while serving as the CDS, stating that he intensified kinetic operations across multiple fronts, leading to the death of several high-value terrorist/bandit leaders.

b. Others opined that he performed poorly, citing the unending cases of terrorism and the reinforcement of its leaders who had been sent into exile previously.

In an extremely shocking wave, a month and some days after the relinquishment of GC Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, news broke that he had been picked as Abubakar Badaru’s replacement, who had resigned as the Minister of Defence on health grounds.

Again, the public was thrown into another round of debate:

a. Who was sacked from office as CDS cannot be appointed as Minister for that same ministry.

b. GC Musa’s appointment is timely and meritorious.

The new Defence Minister was celebrated across all social media platforms by the latter group of Nigerians, while the other group expressed disbelief.

Well, the new Minister has assumed office and has started hitting the ground running from Friday, December 5, 2025.

However, a security analyst reached out to by this newspaper believed there is more to the going and coming of General Christopher, but which cannot be explained at the moment:

“Well, at this point, no one can really say much about the reason why he was sacked. If it was based on incompetence, then why is he back?” Mr. Yakubu said.
“Or could it be that he was sacked in order to prepare him for this current position?” our correspondent asked, and he replied, “No one can say.”

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The Challenges Ahead For GC Musa

Speaking further with the security expert, Yakubu Mohammed, he noted that although the new Defence Minister had stated that he cannot afford to fail Nigerians as they are expecting much, it is a no-brainer that Nigeria’s security issue is complex and dynamic—rooted in a deep interplay of historical grievances, economic marginalization, ethno-religious tensions, poor governance, and environmental pressures.

He mentioned that each of the factors listed above has its challenges, and as such, Nigerians are beginning to ponder how GC Musa will handle them.

Ultimately, Mr. Yakubu asserted that:

“The chief architect of those factors that birthed insecurity is CORRUPTION. If GC Musa can conquer the corruption that awaits him in the Defence Ministry, he might get it right.”

He continued, “Some of the key layers of corruption and systemic issues that can cripple effectiveness are obviously poor equipment, leaked intelligence, and poor leadership (from bought promotions) leading to battlefield losses and inability to secure territory. Emphasis on the leaked intelligence.”

When asked to shed more light on the emphasis about leaked intelligence, Mr. Yakubu categorically stated that selling operational intelligence to insurgents or criminal gangs for personal gain severely compromises missions and endangers lives, and that boils down to “operational failure.”

The security analyst also mentioned that GC Musa needs serious reforms in the ministry in order to prevail, but which will not be feasible if senior military and civilian officials within the establishment who are vested in the existing corrupt system, sabotaging reform efforts to protect their interests, are not stopped.

Most importantly, Mr. Yakubu recommended that for the success of GC Musa, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, must be sacked.

“That former governor of Zamfara State serving alongside GC Musa must go.”

“People like Bulama Bukarti and Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi should serve alongside General Christopher,” he added.

When asked what his reasons are for recommending the sacking of Bello Matawalle, the analyst, without mincing words, said that Matawalle is an associate of some of the bandit leaders.

“Right from the time he served as Zamfara State governor to now, he has repeatedly had connections with bandit leaders—questionable connections.”

“Such a personality in that ministry is capable of sabotaging efforts to combat those terrorists,” he added.

Mr. Yakubu conclusively ended the interview by asking our correspondent an intriguing question:

“Why haven’t the security operatives captured Turji—the bandit lord, yet?”

A question in which an answer truly aligns with his take on the minister.

The security expert also suggested that:

“The military’s inherent culture of secrecy can be used as a shield to block necessary civilian oversight and transparency initiatives.”

But added that it will be difficult if Matawalle continues to be in the structure.

Ultimately, as explained by the security expert, the new Defence Minister’s biggest battle may not be against external adversaries, but against the entrenched “institutional corruption” within the defence establishment itself. Success will depend less on military strategy and more on courageous governance, systemic reform, and ruthless integrity.

 

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NNPC Confirms Gas Supply & Network Availability

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NNPC Limited confirms that gas transportation network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), remains available to support deliveries to power generating stations Nationwide without any constraints. NGIC’s operational records do not indicate transportation-related constraints within its network that explain the current decline in electricity generation.

NNPC Limited is focussed on actualizing the Federal Government’s gas development and monetization agenda which has led to about 10% growth in gas production volumes 2026 year to date. Gas supply availability is therefore not a challenge as NNPC remains committed to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable and efficient gas supply and transportation.

This clarification follows the Nigerian Independent System Operator’s (NISO) statement of 5 November 2026, which cited limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric stations as causes of lower generation. NNPC Limited’s clarification concerns the operational status of NGIC’s transportation network. Gas production, commercial supply arrangements and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure.

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A comprehensive assessment must also consider the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules and actual gas offtake. These factors determine whether gas supplied can be converted into electricity. They should be verified alongside gas supply data to establish the causes of the shortfall.

NNPC Limited supports a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators and NISO to identify specific constraints and guide effective interventions. Accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain is essential to resolving the challenges and sustaining public confidence.

Our focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration that helps translate Nigeria’s gas resources into more reliable electricity for Nigerians.

Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
Abuja

6 November 2026

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Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18m Pregabalin Capsules After Rapid Response Squad Launch

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Barely 24 hours after the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities.

During the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

The suspect, who is suspected to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

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The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Task Force, Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin.

The Task Force described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing that sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation would be critical to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

The latest operation is one of the first major outcomes of the investment in establishing and equipping the Rapid Response Squad, which was designed to provide a coordinated and rapid response to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes.

The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers, cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.

Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr
Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee
Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Traficking.

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Former Kano NUJ Chairman Abbas Ibrahim Loses Mother at 91

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Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, mother of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has died at the age of 91.

Hajiya Binta died on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a protracted illness.

The deceased was the mother of Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, who also served as the Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections.

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Among her surviving children are Salamatu Saminu, a retired Director in the Kano State Government; Halima Ibrahim; and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, at Sahaba, Kundila, Kano, immediately after the Juma’at prayer.

Her death is a loss to her family, relatives and associates, who will remember her for the years she spent nurturing her children and contributing to the growth of her family.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her soul eternal rest and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

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