Meet Christopher Musa, Chief Of Defence Staff

Christopher Musa has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff in a recent announcement.  Musa will now take on the responsibility of overseeing the country’s armed forces and ensuring the nation’s security.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu replaced all the Service Chiefs, including General Lucky Irabor, with new ones. The new Chief of Defence Staff is Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa.

Musa is highly regarded for his strong leadership abilities. Many people are optimistic that he will bring positive changes to the armed forces. He is known for promoting unity and teamwork, which will be crucial for improving coordination among the military branches.

In this article, RNN will provide essential information about Christopher Musa, the new Chief of Defence Staff.

Biography

Christopher Gwabin Musa, born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto, is an individual with a notable background. He hails from Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Christopher served in the Nigerian Defence Army as a member of the Infantry Corps.

Joining the 38th Infantry Course, Christopher’s dedication and commitment led to his commission on September 21, 1991. His involvement in the military showcases his passion for serving his country. With his extensive training and experience, Christopher Gwabin Musa stands as a valuable asset to the Nigerian Defence Army.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Christopher Musa’s educational journey started at Marafa Danbaba Primary School in Sokoto from 1974 to 1978. He then attended Model Primary School on Dorowa Road in Sokoto from 1978 to 1980. After that, he enrolled in the Vocational Training Centre in Gaummi, Sokoto, where he studied from 1980 to 1981. In 1981, he joined the Federal Government College in Sokoto and completed his studies there in 1985.

Continuing his education, Musa attended the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria from 1985 to 1986. He pursued a BSc Hons-(Chn) degree at the Nigerian Defence Academy from 1986 to 1990. Later, in 2007 to 2008, he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Security Management from the University of Lagos. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the International College of Defence Studies at the National Defence University in Beijing, China, where he earned an MSc (Mil Science) degree from 2012 to 2013.

Military/Civil Courses

Christopher Musa, a Nigerian, joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in September 1991 as part of the 38th Regular Course. He completed the Mechanical Transportation Officers Course in 1992 and the Young Officers Course (Infantry) in 1993. In 1998, he attended the Regimental Signal Officers Course.

Musa also participated in the Junior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji in 2000 and the Senior Course from 2004 to 2005.

In 2013, he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Defence and Strategies from the International College of Defense Studies National Defense University in Changping, China. That same year, he also earned an MSc (Military Science) from ICDS-BDU in China. Musa attended the National Defense College at ICDS in China in 2013.

In 2017, he completed the Combined Joint Land Component Commander’s Course on Leadership at the US Army War College.

APPOINTMENTS HELD

Christopher Musa has held multiple positions during his military career. He was a Platoon Commander at 192 Battalion from 1991 to 1993. Following that, he worked as an Intelligence Officer at the same battalion from 1993 to 1994. From 1995 to 1999, he served as an Administrative Officer at 2 Division Camp (Garrison). In 2000, Musa became the Pioneer Adjutant at 195 Battalion. He then became the Operations Officer for NIBATT 8 UNAMSIL from 2001 to 2002. From 2002 to 2003, he served as the 2nd-in-Command of 195 Battalion and later held the same position at 149 Battalion from 2005 to 2006.

Musa’s career progressed further when he became a General Staff Officer 1 for Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division from 2006 to 2007. He then served as the Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion from 2007 to 2009 and as the Assistant Director of Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy and Plans from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, Musa worked as an Infantry Representative and Member of the Training Team at HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps. He then held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Training/Operations at HQ Infantry Centre and Corp from 2013 to 2014. In 2014, he became the Chief of Staff at HQ 2 Division.

APPOINTMENTS HELD

Musa’s leadership roles continued as he served as the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army from 2015 to 2017. In the same year, he became the Principal Staff Officer for Combat Arms at Army HQ Department of Projects and Programmes and the Pioneer Executive Director of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Ltd. In 2018, Musa was appointed as the Commander of 82 Division Task Force Brigade OP LAST HOLD in the North East. The following year, he became the Commander of Sector 3 OP LAFIYA DOLE and also held the position of Commander of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Tchad Region.

From 2019 to 2020, Musa served as the Chief of General Duties at TRADOC and then as the Director of Campaign Planning at AHQ DATOPs. In the same year, he took on the role of Director of Training at AHQ-DATOPs. In 2021, he became a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Research Centre. Currently, Musa holds the position of Theatre Commander of JTF (NE) Op HADIN KAI, a role he has been in since 2021.

HONOURS/AWARDS

Christopher Musa, a distinguished individual, has received numerous honors and awards throughout his life.

Musa received a BSc Hons (Chn) NDA in 1990. He was granted the UNAMSIL Medal in 2002. In 2004-2005, Musa successfully finished the Passed Staff Course (psc). He received the Forces Service Star in 2003, followed by the Meritorious Service Star in 2009 and the Distinguished Service Star in 2015.

Musa’s accomplishments also include being a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management since 2008, obtaining an Advance Diploma in Security Management at Unilag in 2008, and becoming a member of the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Security in the same year. In 2009, Musa was awarded the General Operation Medal, the Command Medal (CO 73 Bn), and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He was also honored with the Silver Jubilee Medal in 2010 and the Meritorious Service in 2012.

Continuing his pursuit of knowledge and expertise, Musa became a fellow NDU (ICDS-NDU) in Changping, China, in 2013. He obtained his Master’ in Military Science at ICDS-NDU China and a Diploma in Defense and Strategy at ICDS-NDU Chin during the same year. In 2014, Musa was awarded the Centenary Medal, followed by the Distinguished Service Star in 2016, the Training Support Medal in 2017, the OP LAST HOLD Medal in 2018, the OP LAFIYA DOLE Medal in 2019, and the MNJTF Medal in 2021.

On September 21, 2021, Musa was bestowed with the Grand Service Star (GSS). Currently, he holds the Field Commander Medal of Honour (FCMH) and the Operation HADIN KAI Medal (OPHK) since June 2021. Musa’s remarkable accomplishments and consistent recognition reflect his outstanding contributions and dedication to his field.

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