Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd)
In a landmark shift for Nigeria’s national security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd) as the first-ever Special Adviser on Homeland Security at the federal level.
The historic appointment was confirmed Monday in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The circular, signed by SGF Senator George Akume and issued by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, emphasizes the administration's intent to modernize internal defense.
A New Chapter in National Intelligence
The creation of this office marks a significant departure from traditional structures, which have historically centralized advisory functions within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). According to the OSGF, the new role is designed to:
Strengthen internal security coordination across disparate agencies.
Enhance intelligence-driven operations to preempt domestic threats.
Deepen inter-agency collaboration to address evolving security challenges.
While similar roles have occasionally existed at the state level, this is the first time a Nigerian president has established a dedicated homeland security advisory position within the Presidency.
Profile of the Pioneer Appointee: Maj. Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa (retd)
Major General Famadewa transitions into this role with over 30 years of experience in military intelligence and national security strategy.
| Key Career Milestones | Impact & Contributions |
| Principal General Staff Officer (ONSA) | Spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre, integrating data from the DIA, NIA, DSS, Police, and Armed Forces. |
| Nigerian Army Resource Centre | Served as a Senior Research Fellow focusing on policing and national security reform. |
| Published Author | Authored "Policing and National Security in Nigeria," a seminal work on civil-security collaboration. |
Driving the 'Renewed Hope' Agenda
President Tinubu expressed high confidence in Famadewa’s ability to integrate intelligence and manage proactive risks. The President noted that the appointment is a critical component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fostering a more secure environment through strategic response coordination and improved threat assessment.
Famadewa is expected to leverage his extensive background in international security diplomacy and counter-terrorism to bridge gaps between Nigeria’s various security branches and civilian oversight.