Tinubu Names Special Adviser On Homeland Security, Reason Emerges

According to Ireporter Online, the Centre for Humanitarian and Homeland Advancement has defended the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing the backlash against the decision as misguided and detached from the realities of contemporary security management.

The Centre was responding to comments attributed to Prof. Femi Otubanjo of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, who reportedly criticised the appointment as inappropriate and a reflection of perceived shortcomings in the administration’s approach to insecurity.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Dr. Maurice Ayobami, the organisation maintained that the creation of the office represents a strategic evolution in Nigeria’s security architecture rather than an admission of failure. It argued that modern threats such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, transnational organised crime and attacks on critical infrastructure demand continuous restructuring and improved coordination mechanisms within government.

Ayobami stressed that interpreting the appointment as a sign of weakness reflects a misunderstanding of modern security governance, noting that serious administrations regularly adapt their frameworks to address emerging risks. He further clarified that the role of the Special Adviser on Homeland Security is strictly advisory and strategic, focused on enhancing intelligence coordination, risk assessment and inter-agency synergy rather than interfering with military command structures.

The Centre also dismissed concerns that the position could create duplication or rivalry within the existing security framework, insisting that it is designed to strengthen collaboration among relevant institutions.

It further described Major General Famadewa as a highly experienced security expert, noting his extensive background in military operations and intelligence coordination, particularly his contributions during his service at the Office of the National Security Adviser. The group added that his experience in security strategy, intelligence integration and operational planning makes him well suited for the assignment.

The statement also emphasised that Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted in deeper structural issues including porous borders, arms proliferation, socio-economic pressures and regional instability, arguing that no single office or institution can resolve them in isolation.

The Centre urged critics to view the appointment within the broader context of national security reform, stating that the Tinubu administration deserves recognition for adopting more flexible and innovative approaches to emerging threats.

It concluded that addressing Nigeria’s security concerns requires continuous institutional reform, policy innovation and cooperative engagement among stakeholders rather than politicisation of strategic decisions.