In a bold move, President Bola Tinubu has made sweeping changes to the nation’s security and law enforcement apparatus. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, announced the decision in a statement released Monday in Abuja.
President Tinubu, GCFR has granted immediate retirement to all Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, along with their respective advisers. These changes will take effect immediately, according to the statement.
Subsequently, Tinubu has appointed a new lineup to fill the key positions. Notable appointments include Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral 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 Defence Intelligence.
Additionally, President Tinubu has approved a series of other appointments. Col. Adebisi Onasanya will serve as Commander of the Brigade of Guards, while Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf, Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa, Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim, and Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote have been appointed to various Guards Battalions. Furthermore, several military officers have been assigned to positions within the Presidential Villa.
The President also sanctioned the appointment of two additional Special Advisers and two Senior Assistants. Notable individuals in these roles include Hadiza Bala Usman as Special Adviser for Policy Coordination, Hannatu Musa Musawa as Special Adviser for Culture and Entertainment Economy, Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel as Senior Special Assistant for National Assembly Matters (Senate), and Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim as Senior Special Assistant for National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).
The statement further states the appointment of Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs.
The statement maintains that all appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Comptroller General of Customs will act in their respective positions pending confirmation, as outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, according to the SGF’s statement.