Major reshuffle in Nigeria as Tinubu removes security chiefs

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has undertaken extensive changes to the country’s defence forces, resulting in the removal of the security chiefs and the head of the police force within a month of assuming office.

Following his inauguration on May 29, Tinubu has appointed new commanders for the defence forces, army, navy, and air force with immediate effect, as stated by the secretary to the government of the federation in a released statement on Monday.

The spokesman for the secretary to the Nigerian government, Willie Bassey, confirmed the retirement of all service chiefs, the inspector-general of police, advisers, and the comptroller-general of customs, along with their immediate replacements.

Bassey’s statement, published in Nigeria’s The Guardian newspaper, indicated that the appointed service chiefs, inspector-general of police, and comptroller-general of customs will assume their roles on an interim basis until their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Tinubu has made security a paramount concern and has pledged reforms in the sector, including the recruitment of additional soldiers and police officers, as well as improving their remuneration and equipment.

On his first day in office, Tinubu expressed his commitment, stating, “We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide better training, equipment, pay, and firepower.”

The replacement of security chiefs by a new Nigerian president upon assuming office is not an uncommon practice, as demonstrated by Tinubu’s actions on Monday.

Nigeria’s military is under strain, engaged in ongoing battles against rebel groups, banditry, and kidnappings for ransom, which have instilled insecurity across much of the country.

Major General Christopher Musa, formerly leading the army’s fight against armed uprisings until last year, has assumed the role of the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Lucky Irabor.

Tinubu has also appointed new commanders for the army, navy, and air force, in addition to a new head of the Nigeria Customs Service, effective immediately.

Analysts attribute the security challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy to limited resources, which often leave Nigerian security forces at a disadvantage in violent hotspots.

Furthermore, Tinubu has dissolved the governing boards of all government agencies, with new boards expected to be formed and approved by the legislature in the upcoming weeks.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh