Nigeria, Dec. 3 -- The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general, as Nigeria's new Minister of Defence.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the confirmation after lawmakers cleared the nominee through a voice vote at the Committee of the Whole.

The confirmation followed a screening session that featured questions and answers, which lasted over three hours.

During the exercise, Mr Musa criticised negotiations with bandits and assured lawmakers that, under his leadership, the Defence Ministry would intensify efforts to dislodge criminal groups terrorising the country

He also faulted the deradicalisation of repentant Boko Haram members into society, insisti...