“NSA Overreach Triggered New Homeland Security Appointment” — Presidency Sources Reveal Tension In Security Circle

Fresh details have emerged on why President Bola Tinubu appointed Nigeria’s first-ever Special Adviser on Homeland Security, with presidency and security sources alleging growing tension between the Office of the National Security Adviser and some service chiefs.

According to multiple sources, the appointment of retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa was allegedly influenced by complaints from military and intelligence officials who felt the NSA office was becoming too involved in operational security matters.

The sources claimed some service chiefs were uncomfortable with what they described as the expansion of operational influence by the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu.

One presidency source reportedly said the NSA’s constitutional role should focus on coordination, intelligence synthesis and advising the President rather than direct operational activities.

The source also questioned the existence of what was described as an “ONSA tactical team,” alleging that such operations created friction within the security structure.

President Tinubu had on May 11, 2026, approved the appointment of Major General Fadewa (retd.) as Special Adviser on Homeland Security as part of efforts to strengthen internal security coordination and intelligence-driven operations across the country.

Other officials, however, defended the appointment, saying the President has the constitutional authority to redesign the country’s security architecture in any way that could improve results and tackle insecurity more effectively.

The development has now sparked fresh conversations about Nigeria’s security structure, coordination among agencies, and the Federal Government’s increasing pressure to end insecurity across the country.

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