General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) is a distinguished Nigerian military officer who served as the Chief of Defense Staff until his retirement on October 31, 2025, after 39 years and four months of dedicated military service.
His career spans over three decades of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and national service across various theatres of operation, notably in counter-terrorism, national security, and peacekeeping.
Education & Strategic Training:
- MSc in Military Science — National Defense University, China.
- Combined Joint Land Component Commander’s Course on Leadership — U.S. Army War College
- Advanced Diploma in Defense and Strategic Studies — International College of Defense Studies, China.
- Fellow — National Defense University, China.
- Alumni — National Defense College, Nigeria.
Career Highlights:
- As a Lieutenant Colonel, actively engaged in military operations against Niger Delta militants, contributing to regional stability.
- Former Commander, Nigerian Army Depot — Zaria, Kaduna State.
- Former Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai — led counter-insurgency operations in Northeast Nigeria.
- Former Commander, Infantry Corps, Nigerian Army — Jaji, Kaduna State.
- Appointed Chief of Defense Staff in 2023 — overseeing Nigeria’s tri-service military operations.
Inclusion and Welfare Reforms:
- Global Military Diplomacy & Invictus Games: Extended an invitation to Prince Harry, founder of the Invictus Games, to foster goodwill and international solidarity among veterans.
- Played a role in Nigeria’s engagement with the Invictus Games, a global sporting event for wounded soldiers
- Advocated for injured soldiers’ inclusion through sports, boosting morale and rehabilitation.
- Promoted international military collaboration and veteran rehabilitation.
- Spearheaded welfare improvements, including the construction of new barracks to address accommodation challenges.
Leadership Style:
General Musa is known for his strategic acumen, operational discipline, and commitment to regional peace and stability. His international training and field experience position him as a key figure in Nigeria’s defense modernization and regional security collaboration.
General Musa’s global exposure and disciplined leadership enrich Midlo’s governance with deep expertise in strategic systems thinking, cross-border collaboration, and ethical decision-making. His appointment reflects Midlo’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and high-impact leadership across its U.S. — Africa investment ecosystem.