In a major shakeup of Nigeria’s security and government apparatus, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, advisors, and the Comptroller General of Customs. The President has swiftly replaced them with new appointments, signaling a significant change in the country’s leadership structure.

The newly appointed officers include Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as the Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff, DIG Kayode Egbetokun as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as the Chief of Defense Intelligence.
In addition to the top-level appointments, President Tinubu has also approved several other key positions. These include Col. Adebisi Onasanya as the Brigade of Guards Commander, Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf at the 7 Guards Battalion in Asokoro, Abuja, Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa at the 177 Guards Battalion in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim at the 102 Guards Battalion in Suleja, Niger, and Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote at the 176 Guards Battalion in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Furthermore, the President has appointed Maj. Isa Farouk Audu as the Commanding Officer of the State House Artillery, Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu as the Second-in-Command of the State House Artillery, Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat as the Commanding Officer of the State House Military Intelligence, Maj. TS Adeola as the Commanding Officer of the State House Armament, and Lt. A. Aminu as the Second-in-Command of the State House Armament.
To strengthen the advisory team, President Tinubu has added two new Special Advisers: Hadiza Bala Usman as the Special Adviser for Policy Coordination and Hannatu Musa Musawa as the Special Adviser for Culture and Entertainment Economy. Additionally, Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel has been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant for National Assembly Matters (Senate), and Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim as the Senior Special Assistant for National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).
The President has also named Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs. It should be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Comptroller General of Customs will serve in their respective positions on an acting basis until their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This sudden overhaul of the country’s security and government structure is seen as a bold move by President Tinubu to assert his authority and implement his vision for the nation. The new appointments reflect a desire for fresh perspectives and a renewed approach to tackling Nigeria’s challenges.
The changes are expected to generate a significant impact on the nation’s security architecture and governance in the coming months. As the newly appointed officials assume their roles, the Nigerian populace will closely observe their actions and strategies, hoping for positive outcomes and effective leadership in addressing pressing issues.
Willie Bassey, the Director of Information for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized that these appointments were made with careful consideration and in accordance with the President’s commitment to national security and good governance.
Bassey expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly appointed individuals and their ability to contribute to the advancement of the country.
The retirement of the previous Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, advisors, and Comptroller General of Customs is seen as a significant move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s security and governance sectors.
The decision comes at a time when the nation faces various challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities. President Tinubu’s determination to address these issues head-on is evident in the swift action taken to appoint a fresh team of leaders.
The appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser signals a strong focus on enhancing the country’s security architecture. With his vast experience in law enforcement and counter-corruption efforts, Ribadu is expected to bring a strategic and comprehensive approach to tackling security threats and safeguarding the nation’s interests.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa’s appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff brings a seasoned military leader to the helm of the country’s defense operations. With a wealth of experience in combat and strategic planning, Maj. Gen. Musa is tasked with overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.The newly appointed Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Staff, namely Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla, and AVM H.B Abubakar, respectively, are expected to provide visionary leadership to their respective branches of the military.
Their role includes strengthening operational efficiency, improving intelligence gathering, and fostering interagency collaboration to address security challenges effectively.As for the Acting Inspector-General of Police, DIG Kayode Egbetokun, he assumes the responsibility of maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the overall safety of Nigerian citizens. Egbetokun’s experience as a senior police officer and his commitment to public service will be crucial in advancing community-oriented policing and enhancing public trust in the police.



