President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence coordination and improve internal security operations across Nigeria.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

According to the statement, Famadewa’s appointment was approved in recognition of his extensive experience, strategic expertise and contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.

The statement, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen intelligence-driven security operations and improve inter-agency collaboration against emerging security threats.

Famadewa, a retired Major General, reportedly possesses over three decades of experience in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, national security strategy and international security diplomacy.

He previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) between 2015 and 2021.

During his time at ONSA, Famadewa played a key role in the development of Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework and security information-sharing systems.

The statement further disclosed that he spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at ONSA, designed as a unified intelligence-sharing platform involving major security and intelligence agencies.

The agencies include the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces.

According to the Federal Government, the appointment is expected to enhance strategic coordination among security institutions and strengthen Nigeria’s response to internal security challenges.

The Tinubu administration has repeatedly emphasised intelligence-led security operations as part of broader efforts to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats affecting different parts of the country.

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The Federal Government can legally monitor the phone conversations of Nigerians when national security is at stake, according to Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity.

Ajayi made the clarification while responding to comments on his Facebook post addressing remarks by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who admitted during a television interview that an unnamed individual tapped the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Controversy Over Alleged Phone Tapping

El-Rufai had appeared on Arise TV Prime Time, where he claimed that he was privy to conversations involving the NSA because “someone tapped his phone.” During the interview, when reminded that such action was illegal, he acknowledged the illegality but alleged that government agencies frequently engage in similar practices without court orders.

Responding to a Facebook user who accused the government of similar conduct, Ajayi stated that the government has lawful authority to intercept communications for national security purposes.

“The government can legitimately listen to your conversation for national security reasons. Only the government is allowed to do what is illegal for citizens to do in order to protect and preserve the collective,” Ajayi wrote.

He likened the authority to carry out surveillance to the government’s exclusive right to bear arms for security enforcement, noting that while citizens may possess firearms under strict licensing laws, broader powers remain vested in the state.

Airport Incident and Allegations

The controversy follows a recent confrontation at the Abuja airport involving El-Rufai and security operatives. The former governor alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him on the orders of Ribadu. He further claimed that his international passport was temporarily seized during the encounter.

El-Rufai also accused Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of being involved in an alleged plot against him.

The incident has intensified political tensions, particularly as El-Rufai has remained critical of the Tinubu administration since his ministerial nomination was rejected by the Senate in 2025.

Legal Debate on Surveillance Powers

Ajayi’s remarks have reignited public debate over the scope of government surveillance powers in Nigeria, particularly concerning constitutional protections of privacy and the requirement for judicial authorisation in communication interception.

Security analysts note that while national security laws permit lawful interception under specific circumstances, such actions are typically expected to follow due process and regulatory oversight.

As the political dispute unfolds, the issue of state surveillance, civil liberties, and accountability remains central to the broader national conversation on governance and security in Nigeria.

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The Federal Government has blamed a fresh wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria on recent statements issued by the United States, warning that the international commentary has emboldened criminal networks already destabilizing several communities.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, delivered the warning on Wednesday following two major attacks—the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State—which have triggered widespread public outrage.

Akume said President Donald Trump’s posts accusing Nigeria of “Christian genocide” and threatening potential military action had created what he described as a dangerous narrative now being exploited by violent groups seeking visibility.

“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” the SGF said.

According to him, before the controversial statements went viral, terrorist and insurgent structures had been significantly degraded, with most activities reduced to scattered banditry. He insisted that the renewed aggression seen over the past week suggests that extremist networks were attempting to leverage global narratives to justify attacks.

Akume stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops—a direct response to Trump’s threat to deploy US forces—but instead needs enhanced collaboration with international partners in intelligence, technology, and advanced military equipment.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces are highly capable, experienced and professional. They have reclaimed vast territories and weakened Boko Haram and ISWAP. What Nigeria needs is targeted support, not foreign military deployment,” he added.

Addressing Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide,” the SGF firmly rejected the claim, insisting that available intelligence shows extremist groups have attacked both churches and mosques, killing victims of different faiths.

“Nigeria is a secular state. Verified evidence shows these criminal groups attack Muslims and Christians alike,” he said, noting that government appointments also reflect the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

He cautioned against narratives that oversimplify the crisis, arguing that such portrayals risk fueling division and providing ideological cover for criminal elements.

The recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara—two of the deadliest in weeks—have amplified security concerns across the country. In Kebbi, bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 students.

Makuku reportedly died while attempting to protect students during the assault.

In Kwara State, gunmen attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, killing at least two people and injuring others before abducting an unspecified number of residents. A second attack along the Ilorin–Kabba Road forced travellers to flee into nearby bushes.

The SGF stated that while the government continues to strengthen security operations, international partners—especially the United States—must avoid statements capable of escalating tension or emboldening insurgents.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks and protecting every Nigerian, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

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