Major Shake-up in Nigeria’s Security Apparatus as Tinubu Takes Action. President Bola Tinubu has made sweeping changes to the country’s security infrastructure by removing the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made this announcement in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.

In a significant overhaul, President Tinubu has approved the immediate retirement of the aforementioned officials, as well as their replacements. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has been appointed as the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff, DIG Kayode Egbetokun as Acting Inspector-General of Police, and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Furthermore, President Tinubu has made additional appointments within the Presidential Villa, including Col. Adebisi Onasanya as Commander of the Brigade of Guards and Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf, Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa, Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim, and Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote as commanders of various Guards Battalions.

Additionally, the President has approved the appointments of Maj. Isa Farouk Audu as Commanding Officer of the State House Artillery, Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu as the Second-in-Command of the State House Artillery, Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat as Commanding Officer of the State House Military Intelligence, Maj. TS Adeola as Commanding Officer of the State House Armament, and Lt. A. Aminu as the Second-in-Command of the State House Armament.

The SGF, Senator George Akume, also confirmed the appointment of two Special Advisers and two Senior Assistants. Hadiza Bala Usman was appointed as Special Adviser for Policy Coordination, Hannatu Musa Musawa as Special Adviser for Culture and Entertainment Economy, Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel as Senior Special Assistant for National Assembly Matters (Senate), and Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim as Senior Special Assistant for National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

Lastly, President Tinubu has appointed Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs. The SGF emphasized that all newly appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Comptroller General of Customs will serve in an acting capacity until their confirmation, as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This significant reshuffling of the country’s security apparatus reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s safety and protecting the well-being of its citizens. The newly appointed officials are expected to assume their responsibilities promptly, ensuring a seamless transition and a renewed focus on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.