Fadahunsi to Tinubu: Appoint Retired Military Officer as NSA to Strengthen Security Coordination

Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen the ongoing overhaul of the nation’s security architecture by appointing a retired military officer as the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Fadahunsi, in a statement issued by his media aide, Sam Segun-Progress, in Osogbo on Tuesday, advised the President to redeploy the current NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to another strategic national assignment where his expertise would be more effectively utilised.

The lawmaker, who recently renewed his call for a far-reaching restructuring of Nigeria’s defence framework, argued that only individuals with a solid military background can effectively command the respect and discipline required within the armed forces.

He said:
“The Minister of State for Defence is not a soldier or retired general. The NSA is a retired policeman. Do you know that soldiers, even those with superior weapons, refer to civilians—no matter their position—as ‘bloody civilians’? That is part of the challenge we are facing.”

Fadahunsi maintained that the Commander-in-Chief must review the composition of the security leadership to ensure seamless coordination.
“If the President does not restructure the military architecture around him, we will keep wasting resources because soldiers generally take orders only from their own generals,” he added.

Reacting to the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the nomination of ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Defence Minister-designate, the Senator described the move as commendable but incomplete.

He insisted that the next logical step is the appointment of a retired senior military officer as the NSA to drive operational effectiveness in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.

According to him, “Those currently leading the security structure have made commendable efforts, but it is now crucial to inject more officers with military backgrounds to fully actualise the President’s vision for national security.”

Fadahunsi reiterated that repositioning the NSA’s office under a retired military professional would improve discipline, enhance command synergy and significantly strengthen the country’s overall defence posture.

He appealed to President Tinubu to prioritise reforms capable of restoring unity, cohesion and efficiency across Nigeria’s security command system.