As insecurity continues to escalate across Nigeria, citizens and security experts are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise professionalism over political loyalty in his next appointments for the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Minister of Defence.
Security commentators say decisive action is needed to address the nation’s worsening security situation. They urged President Tinubu to replace the current NSA with a seasoned intelligence professional with decades of experience in agencies such as the NIA, DIA, or DSS.
Experts also recommend restructuring the Defence Ministry, calling for the appointment of at least one retired senior general with real battlefield and command experience, rather than a political appointee. These positions must focus on effective frameworks for investigation, prosecution, and sentencing to curb terrorism and armed criminal activity.
In line with public sentiment, Nigerians have proposed three names considered highly qualified for these critical roles:
- Mallam Yusuf M. Bichi, former Director-General, SSS
- General Samuel A. Adebayo, former Chief of Defence Intelligence
- General Christopher G. Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff
Recent social media surveys indicate that 73% of Nigerians support these individuals for the roles of NSA and Defence Minister, emphasising that professional competence must take precedence over political affiliations.
Commentators warn that appointing party loyalists over professionals risks worsening the nation’s security. “The NSA should be a frontline intelligence mind, not a political redeployment slot. Defence Ministers should be retired generals or deeply grounded defence professionals,” one analyst said.
Security experts also note that Nigeria’s challenge is compounded not only by terrorists and armed gangs but also by politicians who have turned national security into a reward system for loyalty instead of a responsibility to protect citizens.
The call comes amid ongoing debates over President Tinubu’s security strategy and the urgent need for effective leadership to tackle Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.
