A security expert has commended President Bola Tinubu’s creation of the Office of the Special Adviser on Homeland Security and the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa to the role, while proposing a strategic swap with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Dr Jackson Lekan Ojo, an executive protection specialist, said in a statement that the President’s move signals a firm commitment to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and improving inter-agency collaboration at a time when Nigerians are demanding safer communities.
He described Maj. Gen. Fadewa as a highly decorated officer with more than three decades of experience in military and intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and national security strategy. “His role in establishing the Intelligence Fusion Centre at the Office of the National Security Adviser demonstrates his capacity for high-level coordination and strategic planning,” Dr Ojo added.
However, he suggested a swap of roles between Mr Ribadu and Maj. Gen. Fadewa to better align expertise with mandate.
“In the spirit of constructive nation-building, I respectfully advise a strategic swap to align expertise with mandate,” Dr Ojo said.
He proposed appointing Mr Ribadu, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, arguing that his background aligns directly with managing domestic threats, policing, civil unrest, and inter-agency cooperation.
Conversely, he recommended appointing Maj. Gen. Fadewa as NSA, citing his extensive military career, experience as Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, and leadership in intelligence fusion and national security strategy.
“This realignment is not a criticism of any individual, but a recommendation to match skillsets to roles for optimal results. The right person in the right seat will accelerate policy execution, improve synergy between security agencies, and give Nigerians confidence that both internal and external threats are being addressed with the right expertise,” Dr Ojo stated.
