Inside Tinubu’s New Security Move: Why The President Created A Homeland Security Adviser Role

The Centre for Humanitarian and Homeland Advancement has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The organisation described criticisms surrounding the appointment as misplaced and lacking an understanding of today’s complex security realities.

The Centre was reacting to remarks reportedly made by Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, who allegedly criticised the appointment as unnecessary and an indication that the administration was struggling to address insecurity.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Maurice Ayobami, the group argued that the creation of the position reflects a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s security coordination system in response to evolving threats.

Ayobami noted that modern security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, and attacks on critical infrastructure require governments to constantly adjust and improve their security frameworks.

According to him, interpreting the appointment as a sign of failure amounts to misunderstanding how contemporary security management works.

He stated that responsible governments regularly review their structures, identify weaknesses, and create new mechanisms to improve intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response capabilities.

The Centre also rejected claims that the office would duplicate existing security agencies or create conflicts within Nigeria’s security structure.

Ayobami explained that the role is strictly strategic and advisory, designed to improve collaboration among security institutions rather than interfere with military operations or existing command structures.

“The Special Adviser on Homeland Security is not meant to command troops or replace existing agencies,” he said. “The position is focused on intelligence coordination, homeland risk analysis, and strengthening institutional synergy.”

The group further described Major General Famadewa as an experienced security professional with extensive background in military operations and intelligence coordination.

According to the statement, the retired officer previously played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework while serving at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The Centre added that his experience in security diplomacy, intelligence management, military operations, and strategic research makes him well suited for the position.

Ayobami stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges are deeply rooted in long-standing structural issues including porous borders, arms trafficking, economic pressures, and regional instability, and cannot be solved by relying solely on the Office of the National Security Adviser.

He argued that the Tinubu administration should instead be commended for adopting new approaches aimed at improving security coordination rather than depending on outdated systems.

According to him, no serious government confronted with constantly evolving threats would continue operating with rigid and outdated frameworks.

The Centre therefore urged Nigerians to view the appointment from the standpoint of national security reform and institutional strengthening rather than through partisan political lenses.

It added that tackling insecurity requires continuous reforms, innovation, and collective support from all stakeholders.