Tinubu’s Bold Security Shake-Up: Presidency Reveals Why Service Chiefs Were Replaced

According to Ireporter Online, the Presidency has explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to replace the service chiefs was primarily driven by his concern over the handling of the nation’s security challenges.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday. He emphasized that the reshuffle was not triggered by any political tension or alleged coup attempt, as speculated in some quarters, but was rather a routine and strategic leadership change aimed at strengthening national security operations.

Onanuga clarified that President Tinubu deemed it necessary to inject new energy and perspectives into the country’s security architecture. “It’s a routine change. The President is concerned about how the security situation is being managed, and he feels it’s time to bring in new hands,” he stated.

He further revealed that President Tinubu had given the newly appointed service chiefs firm directives to ensure that the insurgency which began in 2009 does not resurface. According to him, the President urged them to take decisive steps to bring an end to the prolonged insurgency and restore lasting peace to the country.

Addressing claims of an alleged coup plot, Onanuga dismissed the reports as baseless rumours. He cautioned against the spread of sensational stories, noting that some journalists publish unverified claims simply to attract online engagement. “It was mere rumour-mongering. Some journalists write sensational headlines for clicks without considering their impact on the public,” he remarked.