Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports of minister of defence resignation, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Speculation about the minister’s alleged resignation began circulating online after his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The reports quickly spread across social media, prompting an official response from the ministry.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the ministry categorically denied the rumours and warned that those responsible for spreading the claims could face legal action.

“The attention of the Office of the Honourable Minister of Defence has been drawn to a malicious and entirely fabricated rumour circulating across various online and social media platforms alleging that the Honourable Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has expressed an intention to step down from his position,” the statement said.

The ministry stressed that the reports were completely unfounded and intended to create unnecessary confusion among Nigerians.

“We wish to state unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms that these rumours are absolute falsehood borne out of complete mischief,” the statement added.

According to the ministry, Musa remains focused on carrying out his responsibilities and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

“General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.) remains fully focused on his national security mandate, deeply committed to his duties, and completely dedicated to piloting the nation’s defence strategy with results already being seen,” Katung-Babatunde stated.

The statement also urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, particularly on issues involving national security and government officials.

“We strongly advise media outlets and internet users to desist from spreading unverified information and seek clarifications from the office,” the ministry warned.

The rumours emerged at a time when the Federal Government continues to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity in different parts of the country. Musa’s meeting with President Tinubu had sparked speculation about possible developments within the administration, although no official announcement has been made to support claims of his resignation.

Musa, a retired four-star general, previously served as Chief of Defence Staff before his appointment as Minister of Defence. Since taking office, he has played a major role in coordinating the government’s security policies and military operations against insurgency, banditry and other threats.

The ministry maintained that the defence minister remains fully committed to his assignment and urged Nigerians to rely only on official statements for accurate information concerning government activities.

It also reiterated that legal options are being considered against individuals and platforms found to have deliberately spread the false resignation reports.