Mixed reactions trail Tinubu’s sack of service chiefs – IHRC Director Speaks

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 has created mixed reactions across the North.

Adamu said people in the region are watching closely to see if the new appointments will be fair and balanced.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Sunday, Adamu described President Bola Tinubu’s decision as both political and strategic.

He noted that while it shows the President’s readiness to take bold steps, it also raises questions about political motives and internal power struggles.

“In my view, the removal of the service chiefs could be due to the government’s desire for better results in the fight against insecurity,” he said. “But there might also be political reasons or struggles within the military system.”

Adamu added that some Nigerians believe the action may be connected to a suspected attempted coup or changes within the military hierarchy.

Although not confirmed, he said it shows how much mistrust and politics influence national security decisions.

“In Nigeria, politics affects almost every major decision, including security appointments,” he explained. “Each government often prefers to work with people from its own region or political circle. Sadly, this sometimes pushes aside merit and fairness.”

He said while the President’s action proves he is ready to make changes, it has left the North divided.

“Many northerners are waiting to see if the replacements will be fair,” Adamu noted. “Thankfully, the new appointments seem balanced, with two of the four service chiefs from the North.

That has reduced tension.”
Adamu stressed that people now want results, not promises.

“For years, northern communities have suffered from banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings. They want peace, stability, and safety—not speeches,” he said.

He also criticized the government for reacting only when the elite are affected.
“Ordinary citizens have died many times without quick government action.

But when those in power are affected, decisions come fast. This must change if the government wants public trust,” he added.

Adamu praised the former service chiefs for their efforts despite limited resources.

“Even the former Chief of Defence Staff once said that solving insecurity depends more on government support than the military alone,” he recalled. “This shows the problems they faced—poor funding, weak cooperation, and lack of political will.”

He urged the new service chiefs to focus on community cooperation as well as military strength.

“Force alone cannot solve insecurity. They must work with state governments, traditional rulers, and vigilantes,” Adamu advised.

He warned that progress will be slow unless the government gives the new chiefs freedom and adequate resources.

“As long as politics and hidden interests control our system, security efforts will remain weak,” he said. “Their success depends on government support and sincerity.”

Adamu concluded that while the sack of the service chiefs is a good step, the government must show that it is not politically motivated.

“What Nigerians want is peace, justice, and fairness,” he said. “If handled with honesty, this change could bring real progress.

But if politics continues to dominate, insecurity will remain.”

President Tinubu had recently dismissed the service chiefs in what the Presidency described as a move to strengthen national security.