By John Ikani
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has appointed new Service Chiefs in his quest to revamp the nation’s security architecture and tackle the daunting issue of insecurity.
The lineup of the new Service Chiefs goes like this: Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar and Acting Inspector-General of Police, DIG Kayode Egbetokun.
Now let’s dive into the profiles of these newly appointed military bigwigs. Hold on tight; it’s going to be an entertaining ride through their exploits and backgrounds.
1. Maj.-Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Born on the eventful day of December 25, 1967, in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, it seems like destiny wrapped Major-General Christopher Gwabin Musa as a special Christmas present for the military.
The boots-on-the-ground General deftly manoeuvres between Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in the Christian South of Kaduna State where he hails from and the conservative Muslim Sokoto State, where he wholeheartedly pursued his primary and secondary education.
Christopher joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1986 when the Nigerian military held the reins of power in the country. For five years, he underwent intense training, sharpening his skills while perfecting the art of saluting and shouting orders.
In 1991, the army welcomed him with open arms as a second lieutenant in the Infantry Corps. From that point on, Major-General Musa embarked on a whirlwind of experiences, both at home and abroad.
He boasts an Advanced Diploma in Security Management from the University of Lagos, an Advanced Diploma in Defence and Strategic Course (China) from the International College of Defence Studies and numerous other fancy-sounding qualifications.
This military maestro’s CV reads like an action-packed novel. He’s served in various prestigious positions, including being the General Staff Officer 1 Training/Operations, the Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion, and the Assistant Director of Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy and Plans.
You name it, he’s been there—infantry representative, training team member, sector commander, and even Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI. It seems like he’s collected military roles like trading cards.
Now, after a thrilling career that would make any action movie protagonist envious, Major-General Musa has earned the prestigious title of Chief of Defence Staff.
But let’s not forget, until his appointment, he was commanding the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, proving that he is not just a pencil pusher, but also a “mud-splattered boots in the trenches” kind of leader.
2. Maj. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
Born in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State in 1968, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja showcased his tactical prowess right from birth.
Teetering on the edge of being a leap-year baby, Lagbaja masterfully manoeuvred his way into the world on the 28th of February, executing a strategic arrival that would set the stage for a lifetime of calculated moves and brilliant tactics.
His quest for knowledge began at Local Authority Teachers College Demonstration School Osogbo, where he seamlessly combined academic excellence with engaging extracurricular activities from 1973 to 1979.
Subsequent academic pursuits saw him transition to St Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, from 1979 to 1984, and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, from 1984 to 1986, before securing a spot at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as a member of the illustrious 39th Regular Course.
With unwavering determination, Lagbaja bagged a Bachelor’s in Geography from the NDA and earned his commission as a 2Lt on 19th September 1992, joining the prestigious Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
Did you know that he also holds a Master’s in Geography from U.S. Army War College and has undertaken an array of courses that would leave even the most decorated of Generals impressed?
Before his well-deserved appointment as the COAS, Lagbaja was the Chief of Operation (Army) and held prestigious positions such as the General Officer Commanding 1 Division in Kaduna and 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu.
He has seen action from the treacherous terrains of Operation HARMONY IV in the Bakassi Peninsula to the demanding United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the dynamic Operation ZAKI.
Lagbaja was also involved in security operations in Benue and contributed to Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and the Internal Security Operation in the South East.
Notably, as the GOC 1 Division in Kaduna, Lagbaja fearlessly led the troops of Operation FOREST SANITY, boldly confronting terrorists in Kaduna and Niger States.
3. Rear Admiral A. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)
Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, born on December 20, 1968, in Enugu Ezike, is a man of many achievements and titles.
Back in his school days at NMS Zaria, the native of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State excelled academically, earning the title of “Best Boy” in Sciences.
A member of the 39 RC NDA with a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Strategic Studies, he sailed his way to becoming a Rear Admiral, receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour along the journey.
His naval career has been nothing short of remarkable, serving on various ships like NNS AMBE, ARADU, LANA, EKUN, AGU, QUORRA, BEECROFT, DELTA, and PATHFINDER.
He even braved the wild ECOMOG Operations in Liberia while aboard NNS EKUN. As the Base operations officer in NNS PATHFINDER, he efficiently coordinated anti-illegal bunkering operations, significantly reducing illegal activities in the maritime area.
A true education aficionado, he took on diverse roles, including the instructor, Comdt NNHS, DD Instruments NNHO, and DS/DARAS NDC.
Decorated with FSS, MSS, DSS, and GSS, he’s got more titles than a medieval king. Let’s not forget his memberships in prestigious societies like the Nigerian Hydrographic Society, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and even the International Earth Rotation Services. He’s got connections, my friend!
When he’s not commanding the seas, you’ll find him juggling hobbies like reading, researching science and nature, and maybe even juggling some actual objects.
His family life is also a blessing, with a supportive wife Ijeoma Ogalla and two children to share his adventures.
4. Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff (CAS)
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, the master of the skies, was born on 11th September 1970 and hails from the exotic land of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State.
He jumped on board the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) express train as a proud member of the 39 Regular Course of NDA and got his wings as a Pilot Officer on the 19th of September 1992.
Before his latest appointment as CAS, Abubakar held the prestigious position of Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command.
Oh, and let’s not forget, he has participated in numerous courses including gracing the halls of the illustrious Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt and was appointed to a dizzying array of positions in the NAF.
Abubakar is happily married with children and in his leisure time, the senior officer enjoys flying airplanes, reading, reflecting and keeping fit.
5. DIG Kayode Egbetokun, Acting Inspector-General of Police
Born on Sept. 4, 1964, in Erinja, Yewa South, Ogun State, DIG Kayode Egbetokun knows numbers as well as he knows crime.
Upon graduating in June 1987 with a degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Egbetokun briefly dabbled in lecturing math at Yaba College of Technology before donning the police uniform.
But that wasn’t enough for him—he went on to acquire an MSC in Engineering Analysis from UNILAG in 1996, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University in 2000, and even an MBA from Lagos State University in 2004. Talk about an academic overachiever!
Joining the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, Egbetokun quickly climbed the ranks. From being the Chief Security Officer to the then Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, to commanding the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos and various other posts, Egbetokun knows his way around law enforcement.
Promoted to Commissioner of Police in September 2020, he was deployed to Kwara State, then elevated to Assistant Inspector General of Police in September 2022, patrolling the streets of Zone 7 (Abuja).
Just when you think he couldn’t rise any higher, he became Deputy Inspector General of Police on March 29, 2023, and got posted to the FCID. Watch out, criminals—the math whiz is on the case!
