General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retd.)
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the recently retired Chief of Defence Staff who stepped down on October 24, 2025, emerges as the frontrunner to replace Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, based on multiple government sources and his closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu on December 1—the same day as the resignation announcement.
At 59, Musa brings a wealth of operational expertise from his tenure as CDS, where he spearheaded joint military operations against Boko Haram and banditry in the North-East and North-West, emphasising intelligence-led strategies and inter-agency coordination; prior roles as General Officer Commanding the 82nd Division and theatre commander for Operation Lafiya Dole further underscore his frontline credentials.
His potential appointment would signal continuity in Tinubu’s security overhaul amid the declared national emergency, potentially expediting Senate confirmation due to his non-partisan military background and familiarity with ongoing threats like kidnappings and insurgency, though it could intensify debates on civilian versus uniformed leadership in the ministry.
Bello Mohammed Matawalle
Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the current Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State Governor from 2019 to 2023, represents a political elevation scenario, though reports more prominently highlight pressures for his own removal rather than promotion.
Aged 59, Matawalle’s experience combating North-West banditry during his governorship—through vigilante collaborations and federal partnerships—positions him as a candidate with regional insight into the insecurity plaguing states like Zamfara and Katsina, where he focused on community-based disarmament efforts despite controversies over alleged ties to non-state actors.
Appointed to his current role in August 2023 alongside Badaru, an internal shift to full minister could maintain APC northern representation and streamline policy continuity on anti-banditry initiatives.
Amin Mohammed Dalhatu
Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, a career diplomat and nominee for Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stands as a wildcard option with a focus on international security diplomacy, drawing from his inclusion in President Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial list announced alongside the resignation news.
Hailing from Jigawa State like Badaru, Dalhatu offers zonal balance and expertise in global partnerships, potentially leveraging his diplomatic acumen to enhance Nigeria’s defence collaborations amid the emergency declaration—such as bolstering arms procurement and counter-terrorism intelligence-sharing with Western allies.
While less operationally oriented than military figures, his profile aligns with Tinubu’s emphasis on multifaceted security reforms, including fiscal and international dimensions; though not directly tipped in post-resignation speculation, his nomination timing and northern roots make him a neutral, Senate-friendly choice for a role requiring both domestic oversight and foreign engagement, as per constitutional transition protocols.