As insecurity continues to escalate across Nigeria, citizens and security opinion leaders are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make strategic appointments in the country’s top defence and intelligence positions.
A growing consensus among Nigerians is that immediate action is required to curb the rising spate of terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes. Key recommendations include the replacement of the current National Security Adviser (NSA) with a seasoned intelligence professional and the restructuring of the Defence Ministry under experienced retired generals with real battlefield and command experience.
Many Nigerians believe that the appointment of highly competent security leaders is critical to ending policies such as the controversial “repentant terrorist” program and establishing effective frameworks for investigation, prosecution, and sentencing of perpetrators.
Among the names suggested for these top positions, security experts and citizens have highlighted three individuals as particularly qualified:
- Mallam Yusuf M. Bichi – Former Director General of the State Security Service (SSS)
- General Samuel A. Adebayo – Former Chief of Defence Intelligence
- General Christopher G. Musa – Former Chief of Defence Staff
A survey conducted via private media platforms indicates that approximately 73% of Nigerians support these appointments to ensure swift and decisive action against insecurity.
In addition to new appointments, citizens are calling for a comprehensive audit and purge of the security sector to eliminate leakages, saboteurs, political appointees, and moles. Recommendations also include rotating postings, overhauling committees, securing communication channels, and enforcing robust counterintelligence measures.
Critics of current policies argue that prioritizing political loyalty over professional competence has weakened national security. They point to the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari, which they say undermined morale within the security agencies by promoting controversial “repentant terrorist” programs and allowing infiltration by political actors.
“Defence ministers should be retired generals or deeply grounded defence professionals, and the NSA should be a frontline intelligence expert—not a political appointment,” the statement added. “Anything less is a risk factor for the nation.”
Nigerians have expressed urgency for the President to act promptly, warning that continued inaction may compel them to appeal to the international community within weeks.
