President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, establishing the position for the first time at the federal level in Nigeria.
The announcement came via a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on May 11, 2026.
The role is designed to focus exclusively on internal security challenges, separate from the broader responsibilities of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Famadewa brings extensive experience in military intelligence, having previously served as Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA and led the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre for better agency coordination.
The new position aims to strengthen domestic security coordination among the police, immigration service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies.
It will emphasise intelligence-driven operations, proactive risk management and improved collaboration to tackle threats such as banditry, kidnapping, cultism and farmer-herder conflicts.
Unlike external defence or grand national strategy, the homeland security adviser will target everyday safety issues affecting communities, farms, highways and critical infrastructure.
President Tinubu highlighted Famadewa’s track record as key to delivering more effective responses to internal threats.
Famadewa’s mandate includes promoting inter-agency synergy to reduce information silos and enable faster, intelligence-led actions against emerging risks.
The role does not create new operational commands but seeks to enhance existing structures for better results on the ground.
Officials expect this to lead to improved protection in rural and urban areas, quicker handling of security incidents and stronger internal border management without duplicating the work of other agencies.
If implemented successfully, the position could result in measurable gains such as fewer successful kidnappings, safer roads and markets, and reduced incidents of communal violence through preventive measures.
It forms part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to create a more secure environment that supports economic activities and daily life under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The focus remains on practical outcomes rather than additional bureaucracy.
Some analysts have expressed concerns about possible overlap with existing security offices and the potential for increased government expenditure.
The effectiveness of the new adviser will depend on clear boundaries with the National Security Adviser’s office and the ability to deliver visible improvements.
Famadewa has been tasked with using his expertise to advance coordination while avoiding unnecessary layers in Nigeria’s security architecture.
