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Tinubu’s Security Shake-Up: A Deliberate Move for Agility and Renewal — Sunday Dare

Lagos, Monday — The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, has said that the recent reshuffle in the military high command is a deliberate, forward-looking decision aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through innovation, agility, and renewal.

Speaking on TVC’s “Beyond the Headlines” on Monday evening, Dare described the development as part of President Tinubu’s constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief to ensure that the nation’s defense system remains dynamic and responsive to emerging threats.

“Security is not static,” Dare said. “It demands innovation, agility, and constant renewal. President Tinubu understands this deeply, and that’s why we’ve seen a comprehensive approach to security management under his leadership.”

He explained that the president’s decision was guided by classified intelligence reports and security briefings that provide a broad picture of the nation’s defense needs and vulnerabilities. According to him, the reshuffle reflects the president’s proactive stance toward strengthening the country’s security framework.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief has access to critical security briefings that most of us do not,” he noted. “Based on that, he’s able to make judgments that are timely, comprehensive, and desirable for the country.”

Addressing concerns about the frequency of changes in the military hierarchy—being the second major shake-up in a little over two years—Dare dismissed suggestions that the reshuffle was due to underperformance.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “If you look at previous administrations, whether civilian or military, we have had reshuffles and changes determined by current realities. Nigeria was inherited with complex challenges—banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and organised crime—and with persistent threats from groups like ISIL, ISIS, and Boko Haram attacking through our borders, you have to bring your best men to bear.”

Dare emphasized that President Tinubu’s approach is guided by both gratitude and pragmatism. He acknowledged that the president had expressed appreciation to the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and service, but also recognised the need for new leadership to drive the next phase of security operations.

“The president thanked the outgoing service chiefs for their dedication and commitment,” he said. “But it was time to move on. The new service chiefs are tested men—battle-hardened commanders who have served in key operations like Hadin Kai in the Northeast and Udoka in the Southeast.”

Dare added that the president’s decisiveness reflects an understanding of the “theory of securitisation” — that security management must evolve continuously and adapt to unfolding situations rather than follow a fixed timeline.

“There’s no rule that says you wait one year or two years before making changes,” he explained. “It is determined by developments on the ground, by intelligence reports, and by the need for renewal and innovation. That’s exactly what President Tinubu has done.”

Concluding, Dare reaffirmed that the reshuffle underscores Tinubu’s leadership philosophy — one that prizes adaptability, strategic foresight, and decisive action in safeguarding the nation.

“Certain Commander-in-Chiefs wait longer to take that bold step, but others act decisively when the moment demands it,” he said. “President Tinubu has acted out of necessity to safeguard the country. It is a mark of leadership that understands the need for renewal and forward momentum.”