Major General Adeyinka A. Fadewa (Rtd) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security
Why President Tinubu appointed Homeland Security Adviser
President Bola Tinubu’s historic appointment of a Homeland Security Adviser was driven by mounting pressure from the nation’s service and intelligence chiefs, who had grown frustrated with what they saw as the National Security Adviser’s office encroaching on military operations, according to Sunday PUNCH.
Multiple sources within the presidency and security establishment revealed that the decision stemmed from a mix of professional discord between NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the heads of the armed forces, as well as concerns over the quality of intelligence analysis reaching the President.
A senior presidency source explained that dissatisfaction had been building for months, threatening the cohesion of the country’s national security framework.
“The truth is that the service chiefs and intelligence community are unhappy with Ribadu. He involves himself in operational matters that are entirely outside his mandate.
The NSA’s role is to coordinate agencies, synthesise information, and advise the President—not to meddle in the operations of the military, police, or DSS,” the source said.
The source described it as a structural overreach, noting the emergence of what has never been seen before: an ONSA tactical team. “It’s as if he now runs his own command. You hear of an ONSA tactical team operating on the streets. That is not coordination; that is running a military formation.”
On May 11, 2026, Tinubu approved the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.
The appointment was announced in a circular signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by Permanent Secretary Dr Ibrahim Kana.
The statement said the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and improving inter-agency collaboration to tackle emerging threats.
Fadewa, a highly decorated retired officer with over three decades of experience in military and intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and security diplomacy, had previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA between 2015 and 2021. President Tinubu expressed confidence that the retired general would help advance efforts to achieve a safer Nigeria.
The appointment came just two weeks after Tinubu, during an April 29 meeting with a Plateau State delegation, declared that his administration would do whatever it takes to end the cycle of killings, adding, “My enemies want to use insecurity to get rid of me, but I am a very stubborn politician who refuses to leave.”
A second official pointed to deeper institutional tension, rooted in Ribadu’s policing background and seniority dynamics within the military.
“The service and intelligence chiefs are tired. There is a sense that he is a policeman. Military personnel have never particularly respected police officers handling serious security issues,” the source said. “But the new adviser is a retired general, likely senior to the current service chiefs. In the military, seniority commands respect. So the influence he will wield will be entirely different.”
The insider added that the President also sought a fresh perspective. “The President may not be getting the full, most objective analysis from one angle. A new perspective could help.”
A third highly placed security source said the underlying driver was the President’s growing impatience with the human and financial toll of the nearly two-decade-long insurgency. “The President is determined to end this insecurity. As he said, Nigeria has been dealing with this for 20 years—it’s taking too long. We have spent over N50 trillion on security since 2009. That money could have built roads and rail. He is ready to do anything to end this crisis.”
However, another Presidency official dismissed the idea that the appointment foreshadows Ribadu’s replacement. The President is entitled to design his security architecture as he sees fit, and both men are expected to work in complementary roles. “The constitution allows the President to create any office that helps him deliver value. For now, Fadewa is Special Adviser on Homeland Security. If the President later decides to make him NSA, that’s his prerogative. Both can work side by side. Remember, Fadewa has worked in the NSA office before—under General Monguno. He knows the system. They should be able to manage each other. What Nigeria needs is results.”
The Office of the NSA, established under the National Security Agencies Act, sits at the apex of the coordination architecture, with a constitutional mandate to advise and coordinate—synthesising intelligence from the DSS, NIA, DIA, and military service arms—and present unified analyses to the President. Ribadu, a former EFCC chairman and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, was appointed NSA in June 2023, succeeding Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.).
At the time of filing, the NSA’s office could not be reached for comment. However, an official speaking anonymously said such appointments are the President’s prerogative. “Anyone who understands recent events might think of the Oyedele scenario—where performance and competence created a clear reform pathway. But this is not the same case. The two are not comparable.”
About The Author
