By Abdulkareem Haruna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has shaken up Nigeria’s security leadership, announcing on Monday the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police.

The move, which had been widely anticipated amid growing security challenges and public outcry, also involved the appointment of new officers to lead the country’s defence and intelligence agencies.

According to a statement from the presidency, the newly appointed officers are Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Maj Gen. T. A Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admirral E. A Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff, DIG Kayode Egbetokun as Acting Inspector-General of Police, and Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye as Chief of Defense Intelligence.

Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a presidential candidate, is seen as a seasoned anti-corruption crusader who could bring fresh ideas to the security apparatus.

Musa, who was the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the military operation against Boko Haram in the Northeast, is expected to provide strategic direction and operational coordination for the armed forces.

Lagbaja, who was the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, is tasked with leading the ground troops. Ogalla, who was the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Naval Headquarters, is expected to oversee the navy’s maritime operations.

Abubakar, who was the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, is expected to continue the air force’s efforts in combating insurgency and banditry. Egbetokun, who was the Deputy Commandant of the Police Staff College in Jos, is expected to restore public trust and professionalism in the police force, which had been criticized for excessive use of force and human rights abuses.

Undiandeye, who was the Director of Defense Intelligence Agency, is tasked with providing timely and accurate intelligence to support the operations of the armed forces.

The retirement of the former service chiefs and the appointment of their replacements have been praised by some analysts as a bold and necessary step to address the country’s security challenges, while others have expressed doubts about the competence and impartiality of the new leaders.

The security situation in Nigeria, which has been plagued by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes, remains a major concern for the government and the public. The success or failure of the new security team will be closely watched and evaluated in the coming months.

Possible news story:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of new military officers to various commands in the Presidential Villa and the Brigade of Guards. The move, which was announced on Friday, is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the country and ensure effective protection of the President and his family.

According to a statement from the presidency, the following officers have been appointed to the Brigade of Guards: Col. Adebisi Onasanya as the Brigade of Guards Commander, Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf as the Commander of the 7 Guards Battalion in Asokoro, Abuja, Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa as the Commander of the 177 Guards Battalion in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim as the Commander of the 102 Guards Battalion in Suleja, Niger State, and Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote as the Commander of the 176 Guards Battalion in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Brigade of Guards is a specialized unit of the Nigerian Army that provides security for the President and other top government officials. The new commanders are expected to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in ensuring the safety and protection of the President and his family.

Similarly, the President has approved the appointment of other military officers to various commands in the Presidential Villa. Maj. Isa Farouk Audu has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the State House Artillery, while Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu has been appointed as the Second-in-Command of the State House Artillery. Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the State House Military Intelligence, while Maj. TS Adeola has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the State House Armament. Lt. A. Aminu has been appointed as the Second-in-Command of the State House Armament.

President Tinubu has also approved the appointment of four new aides and an acting comptroller general of customs.

According to the statement, the new appointees are two special advisers and two senior special assistants. Hadiza Bala Usman has been appointed as the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, while Hannatu Musa Musawa will serve as the Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy.

In addition, Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel and Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim have been appointed as Senior Special Assistants on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), respectively.

The President has also approved the appointment of Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs. It is important to note that the service chiefs, inspector-general of police, and comptroller general of customs will act in their positions until they are confirmed in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

These appointments are expected to strengthen the President’s team and enhance the government’s capacity to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people. The new appointees are expected to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in the discharge of their duties.

The President has urged the new appointees to be diligent and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities, while also reminding them of the need to work together with other members of the government to achieve the common goal of a better Nigeria.

The appointments are expected to inject fresh energy and ideas into the various commands and strengthen their ability to carry out their vital roles in ensuring the security of the President and the Presidential Villa. The new officers are also expected to work closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to address the security challenges facing the country.

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