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The recent dismissal of Nigeria’s service chiefs has caused mixed emotions throughout the North, according to Ambassador Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, a retired army captain and the country director of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Many people in the area are closely observing to see if the replacements will exhibit justice and balance.

Adamu, a retired captain as well, called the President’s decision both political and strategic in an exclusive interview with ZINGTIE on Sunday. He said that while it shows that the President is willing to make difficult choices, it also begs more serious questions about internal power struggles and political motivations.

“In my opinion, the recent sack of the security chiefs may have been influenced by several factors. Officially, it could be linked to the government’s desire for improved performance and new strategies to address persistent insecurity,” he said.

“However, behind the scenes, there may also be political undertones or internal power struggles within the system.”

Some Nigerians, he said, think the move may have something to do with internal military realignments or a suspected coup attempt.

He noted that even if these assertions are still unverified, they demonstrate the degree of political complexities and mistrust that surround the nation’s security leadership.

“In Nigeria, politics is deeply rooted in every major decision, including security appointments. It has almost become a tradition that each administration prefers to work with people from its own region or political circle,” he noted.

“Unfortunately, this practice often undermines fairness and merit, as the most qualified or experienced officers are sometimes overlooked in favor of political loyalty or regional interests.”

According to Ambassador Adamu, the dismissal of the service chiefs has caused conflict in the North even though it demonstrates the President’s willingness to take decisive action.

“Many in the region are watching closely to see if the replacements will reflect fairness and balance,” he said.

“Fortunately, the new appointments appear regionally balanced, with two out of the four new service chiefs coming from the North. This has helped to reduce tension and suspicion.”

The North, he continued, is now looking for outcomes rather than assurances.

“The North’s confidence in the federal government will depend largely on results. For years, northern communities have borne the brunt of banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings. People are no longer moved by speeches, they want peace, stability, and safe roads.”

Nigerians have long noticed that the government only acts swiftly when the elite are impacted, the IHRC Director added.

“There have been many occasions when innocent citizens were killed, but no decisive action was taken. Now that the leadership itself has been directly affected, the sack came immediately. This makes people feel that the government only acts fast when the powerful are touched,” he said.

“This perception must change if the government truly wants to earn public trust.”

Ambassador Adamu agreed that despite systemic issues, the former Army Chief and his staff did their best in trying circumstances.

“It’s important to remember that even the Chief of Defence Staff once said that a significant percentage of the security solution lies in the hands of the government, not just the military,” he recalled.

“That statement alone highlights the challenges faced by the security chiefs, limited political will, inadequate funding, and weak inter-agency cooperation.”

The newly appointed service chiefs were advised by the human rights advocate to have a more comprehensive and people-centered approach.

“The new security chiefs must understand that military force alone cannot end insecurity. They need to combine force with intelligence, dialogue, and community participation,” he advised.

“They should work closely with state governments, traditional rulers, and local vigilantes to build trust and cooperation.”

However, he cautioned that until the government gives them the flexibility and means to act successfully, real transformation will take time.

“As long as Nigeria continues to face indirect forms of political and economic control, our security system will remain limited in effectiveness,” he said.

“Their success will depend on how much support and cooperation they receive from the federal government.”

Although the dismissal of the security chiefs is praiseworthy, Ambassador Adamu came to the conclusion that the administration needs to demonstrate that such measures are not motivated by politics.

“What the North and indeed all Nigerians want is peace, justice, and inclusion, not favoritism or hidden agendas,” he said.

“If handled with sincerity and fairness, these changes could bring the positive results Nigerians are yearning for. But if politics continues to overshadow merit, the cycle of insecurity will persist.”

Recall that the President Bola Tinubu completely reorganized the nation’s military hierarchy by firing the service chiefs.

On Friday, the president stated that it is a component of the national security measures.

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