By joshua 
Tinubu’s Political Appointments Are Undermining Nigeria’s Security
By Christopher Sunday
Nigeria is facing one of the most challenging security moments in its history. From terrorism to banditry, from kidnapping to communal violence, the nation is grappling with threats that demand strong leadership, clear vision, and a team of individuals with deep knowledge of security strategy. Instead, the federal government continues to rely on officials whose backgrounds and performance records raise serious doubts about their ability to deliver meaningful solutions. This raises an important question: Is Nigeria’s insecurity worsening partly because the wrong people are in charge of addressing it?
The blame should be placed squarely on President Tinubu for retaining Yusuf Tuggar, Nuhu Ribadu, Muhammed Badaru, and Bello Mattawale in key positions. These officials have not demonstrated the experience, strategic depth, or innovative thinking required to overhaul the national security architecture. Rather than functioning as dedicated reformers, they often appear more like ambitious politicians navigating political interests.
A close look at their backgrounds and qualifications reveals a troubling gap between the enormity of Nigeria’s security problems and the expertise needed to tackle them. The country is confronting highly sophisticated threats: organised terrorism, well coordinated bandit networks, mass abductions, arms proliferation, and persistent economic driven crimes. Addressing these challenges requires individuals with proven competence in intelligence gathering, counter terrorism strategy, conflict resolution, and international diplomacy. The current team does not inspire confidence in these areas.
President Tinubu’s decision to maintain these officials appears driven more by political calculations than national interest. The nation needs a security leadership built on merit and professional strength, not one shaped by alliances, loyalty, or political reward. A security cabinet should be selected with the seriousness of a country at war with multiple threats, not as an extension of political balancing.
Until the president prioritises expertise over political convenience, Nigeria’s security crisis will continue to deepen. Citizens across the country are already living with the consequences of these leadership choices, from communities under constant attack to highways turned into danger zones.
Nigeria deserves a security leadership that is competent, credible, and committed. Anything less will only prolong the nation’s pain.