The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence.
The former CDS was confirmed after the screening at the Senate chambers.
During the screening, General Musa said one of the first things he would do is to investigate the alleged withdrawal of the troops, insisting that the military is not known for cowardice.
He said “We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.
Commenting on ransom payments to bandits, General Musa said Nigeria “must stop ransom payments” adding that in situations where such is done, “we can track the monies being paid,” emphasizing the use of technology in the fight against insecurity.
“The use of technology is very important. Like I said, if we are able to have a database every Nigerian has a number linked to everything you have electronically we can monitor everything,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, he ruled out negotiation with criminals, insisting it “compromises security”.
According to him, such a move gives the assailants time to regroup and also buy weapons, which they use in attacking communities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the screening, told the new minister that the lawmakers are against negotiation with criminals and their rehabilitation.
