President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired major-general Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security. The appointment was announced in a circular on Monday signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and issued by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana of the General Services Office. Tinubu is currently outside the country. Akume stated the move reflects the administration's commitment to strengthening internal security coordination, improving intelligence operations, and boosting inter-agency collaboration to tackle emerging threats. Famadewa, a decorated officer, served over three decades in military and intelligence roles, including as Principal General Staff Officer to former National Security Adviser Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno from 2015 to 2021. He led the creation of the Intelligence Fusion Centre, which integrated agencies such as the DIA, NIA, DSS, Police, and Armed Forces for better threat assessment. After retirement, he worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Research Centre.
The appointment has sparked debate about possible shifts in Nigeria's security structure. Some view it as a step toward state police implementation, with Famadewa expected to work alongside the Inspector-General of Police to decentralise policing. Others suggest it may weaken National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, despite no official indication of his removal. A security expert noted the overlapping roles between Ribadu and Famadewa, comparing the setup unfavourably to the United States, where the NSA and Homeland Security roles are distinct. The expert suggested Ribadu may be losing Tinubu's confidence, drawing parallels to how Finance Minister Wale Edun was gradually sidelined before his exit. However, retired generals Maj-Gen. Elvis Njoku and Maj Bashir Galma said both officials can coexist, with Famadewa serving as a direct presidential adviser while Ribadu retains broader national security responsibilities.
Adeyinka Famadewa's appointment as security adviser creates a parallel structure to Nuhu Ribadu's office despite both holding advisory roles, raising questions about functional overlap. Ribadu's authority appears diminished by the creation of a new position with similar responsibilities under the same administration. If Famadewa is to lead internal security coordination, it is unclear what remains of Ribadu's core mandate. This duality risks confusion in command, especially when both report directly to the president.
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