- Concerns mount as Tinubu creates new ‘Homeland Security’ office, bypasses NSA
- International firm alerts US Presidency over alleged secret directive to ‘hide’ terror strikes
- Critics cite Ribadu’s ‘Our Brothers’ comment as catalyst for institutional distrust
- Rumours of Ribadu’s resignation persist despite Presidency denials
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has sent a massive shockwave through Nigeria’s security architecture by appointing the nation’s first-ever Special Adviser on Homeland Security. Insiders believe the move signals a deepening crisis of confidence in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, amid a growing international scandal over the government’s transparency.
The appointment of Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (rtd) comes as an international lobbying firm reportedly alerted the United States government of an alleged secret directive to the military to conceal reports of terror strikes until after the 2027 general elections.
The ‘Brothers’ Controversy: A Point of No Return?
Central to the friction is a viral video in which Nuhu Ribadu was caught on camera referring to terrorists and bandits as “our brothers.” In the footage, Ribadu argued for dialogue, stating that regardless of their actions, they remained “fellow citizens” who must be understood.
This soft stance on the Fulani militia and Boko Haram has reportedly not sat well with President Tinubu, who has recently moved toward a more hawkish military tone. More importantly, the remark has alarmed the international community. Sources suggest that Western partners view such rhetoric as a dangerous normalization of violent groups responsible for massacres across the Middle Belt, undermining the global counter-terrorism message.
Homeland Security: The Performance Ultimatum
The creation of the Office of Homeland Security is being viewed by many as a “Special Purpose Vehicle” to bypass an NSA now perceived as a political liability.
- Narrative Control: Critics argue the new office will serve as the “sanitizer” of security data, ensuring that any management of terror reports is handled more efficiently than it was under Ribadu’s watch.
- International Appeasement: Following warnings from US-based lobby firms regarding sanctions over “electoral environment manipulation,” the appointment of a military general to a “Homeland” role is seen as a move to reassure Washington that Nigeria is serious about crushing, rather than romancing, terrorists.
Is Ribadu Being Sidelined?
While the Presidency continues to deny rumours of Ribadu’s resignation, the “body language” of the administration suggests his influence is waning. By splitting the hierarchy, Tinubu has ensured he has a military strategist for domestic “red zones” while Ribadu remains focused on broader, less sensitive intelligence matters.
As of Wednesday evening, the Office of the National Security Adviser has not issued a fresh rebuttal to the “blackout” claims or the growing backlash over the “brothers” remark.
