The Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and retired Army Captain, Ambassador Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, says the recent sack of Nigeria’s service chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has generated mixed reactions across the northern region.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Sunday, the human rights advocate described the decision as both “political and strategic”, noting that while it shows the President’s readiness to act decisively, it also raises questions about internal power struggles and political motives within the system.
“In my opinion, the sack of the service chiefs may have been influenced by several factors. Officially, it could be tied to the government’s desire for better performance and new strategies to address insecurity. But behind the scenes, there might also be political undertones or internal realignments,” he said.
According to him, some Nigerians suspect that the move may be linked to a suspected coup attempt or military hierarchy realignment, though such claims remain unverified.
‘Politics Influences Security Appointments’ — Adamu
Ambassador Adamu lamented that politics has become deeply intertwined with security decisions in Nigeria, often at the expense of merit and fairness.
“It has almost become a tradition that each administration prefers to work with people from its own region or political circle. Unfortunately, this practice undermines merit and fairness,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the sack of the former service chiefs has created tension in the North, the new appointments appear more regionally balanced, helping to calm nerves.
“Many in the North are watching closely to see if the replacements will reflect fairness and balance. Fortunately, with two of the four new service chiefs coming from the North, suspicion has reduced,” he added.
‘The North Wants Results, Not Promises’
Ambassador Adamu stressed that northern communities have suffered the most from banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency, and that they now expect concrete results, not rhetoric.
“People are no longer moved by speeches. They want peace, stability, and safe roads. The North’s confidence in the federal government will depend on the results it delivers,” he stated.
He also criticised what he called the government’s “elite-first reaction syndrome”, saying authorities often act only when the powerful are affected.
“There have been many cases of citizens being killed without decisive action, but the moment the elite are touched, the government reacts swiftly. This perception must change if public trust is to be regained,” he said.
‘Military Force Alone Won’t End Insecurity’
The IHRC Director advised the newly appointed service chiefs to adopt a people-focused and intelligence-driven approach to national security.
“They must combine force with intelligence, dialogue, and community participation. Working closely with traditional rulers and local vigilantes is key to building trust,” he said.
Adamu warned that meaningful change would take time unless the federal government empowers the new chiefs with the autonomy and resources needed to succeed.
“As long as Nigeria faces indirect political and economic interference, our security system will remain limited. Their success depends on the level of genuine support they get,” he concluded.
He emphasised that while the President’s move is commendable, it must be driven by sincerity, not politics.
“What Nigerians want is peace, justice, and inclusion — not favoritism or hidden agendas. If handled well, this decision could mark a turning point, but if politics continues to overshadow merit, insecurity will persist,” he warned.
