There are fresh calls within security and political circles urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit his 2023 political journey and reward loyalty—particularly among high-ranking security officials who allegedly risked everything to secure his emergence as president.

A well-informed source who spoke on condition of anonymity told NigeriaUpdates that out of the 10 key service chiefs who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari and were inherited by Tinubu during his early months in office, three played extraordinary behind-the-scenes roles to ensure that the then-presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was declared winner of the 2023 general election.

“These three men became enemies to their colleagues who wanted to do the bidding of those who never wanted Asiwaju,” the source disclosed. “They blocked the interim government plan allegedly orchestrated by former Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Governor Hope Uzodinma, APC’s then National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, and others.”

According to the insider, these military and intelligence officers took significant personal risks, including financial, reputational, and professional, to counter internal threats within government institutions.

“They spent serious amounts of money in hard currencies to thwart hidden agendas by the likes of [former CBN Governor] Godwin Emefiele, [former AGF] Abubakar Malami, and others,” the source added. “Two weeks to the election, they were nearly fired for refusing to shift ground. They fought deadly security and intelligence battles—both locally and internationally—for Asiwaju’s emergence.”

Despite their sacrifices, only one of the three officers has reportedly been rewarded, while the other two have been largely ignored by the current administration.

Security Power Play Ahead of 2027

Observers argue that Tinubu may soon face significant challenges in navigating the complex landscape of Nigeria’s security and intelligence architecture, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general election begin to take shape.

“Asiwaju will find it very difficult to navigate through the security and intelligence power-play owing to the fact that his current Chief of Army Staff doesn’t command the needed followership like the late Lagbaja did,” said the source. “Hence, the need for him to employ the services of some security and intelligence veterans.”

The source further warned that President Tinubu is currently being furnished with “half-baked” intelligence, which may be compromising national security strategy and political calculations.

“To call a spade a spade, Asiwaju is furnished with half-baked intelligence as at today. His opponents are far more enriched with intelligence. Saboteurs are everywhere,” the source claimed.

A Test of Loyalty and Strategy

Political analysts note that how President Tinubu handles the loyalty question among his former security allies could either strengthen or weaken his long-term strategy. The build-up to 2027 is already being monitored by both domestic opposition and international players, and many within his camp believe that re-engaging tested loyalists will be key to survival and success.

Background

The 2023 election was one of Nigeria’s most contentious, with widespread concerns about vote suppression, security breaches, and elite interference. Allegations of plots to derail the democratic process through unconstitutional means, such as an “interim government,” surfaced in the weeks leading up to the election.

While Tinubu’s eventual victory was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), multiple stakeholders have since suggested that it took more than just votes to protect the integrity of the election result.

As Nigeria continues to battle escalating insecurity across several regions, renowned defence policy analyst Efosa Idehen has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently appoint retired Major-General Samuel Adebayo as the country’s Chief of Anti-Terrorism Operations.

Idehen made this passionate plea in an open commentary from Abuja, highlighting the worsening security crisis caused by bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, militants, and separatist groups. He stressed that Nigeria requires a tested military strategist to coordinate national counter-terrorism efforts, restore peace, and secure lives and properties.

“With the security situation in the land worsening on a daily basis… the defining moment has come for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a top anti-terrorism chief to oversee the ongoing war on insurgency,” Idehen stated.

A Legacy of Tactical Excellence

According to Idehen, the most suitable candidate for the role is Major-General Samuel Adebayo (rtd), former Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) and Head of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), who served from 2022 to 2024. He credited Adebayo with a strategic and methodical approach that significantly weakened criminal networks, especially in the Northwest and North Central regions of Nigeria.

During his tenure, Adebayo reportedly deployed modern technological tools for intelligence gathering, analysis, and action, leading to the destruction of Boko Haram enclaves and armed bandit camps.

“Major-General Adebayo was tough, dedicated, ruthless and utterly uncompromising in the war against terrorism, armed banditry, separatism, kidnapping, militancy and all other anti-social crimes,” Idehen asserted.

A Trailblazing Military Career

Major-General Adebayo’s military career spans several leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Director of Military Intelligence, and Director of Operations at the DIA. Idehen noted that Adebayo not only led operational successes but also repositioned the DIA structurally and philosophically, aligning its mission with Nigeria’s defence goals.

He also introduced policy reforms and welfare packages aimed at boosting morale and enhancing operational efficiency within the agency.

“The policy reforms he put in place succeeded because Major-General Adebayo ensured that all and sundry in the DIA fully understood and wholeheartedly subscribed to the agency’s inalienable mission,” Idehen explained.

A National Security Vision Without Compromise

Idehen described Adebayo as a patriot who believed in Nigeria’s indivisibility and worked relentlessly to protect the country’s sovereignty.

“Nigeria’s existence as a corporate entity is settled and not open for negotiation. QED,” he declared, echoing the general’s unwavering stance.

He added that under Adebayo’s leadership, security operations were precise and intelligence-driven, ensuring minimal collateral damage while delivering maximum impact on terror cells.

“The tenacious DIA supremo strenuously gathered critical intel… and diligently ensured that they were accurate to the letter before taking surgical action,” Idehen noted.

A Clarion Call to President Tinubu

As insecurity threatens national stability, the call for President Tinubu to appoint a focused and experienced anti-terrorism czar is gaining momentum.

“With the outstandingly courageous and overwhelmingly forward-looking profile, resume and distinguished track record of the former defence intelligence boss, it is no surprise that the clarion call is mounting across the nation,” Idehen declared.

He concluded by urging swift presidential action:

“Let us make hay while the sun shines. There is no further time to waste. To God be the Glory.”

In an inspiring tale of resilience and innovation, Nigerian-born security professional Ifeanyi Obinali is earning global acclaim for his transformative role in the security industry, leading reputable firms in both the United States and Nigeria.

Now President and CEO of LEAD Security Group in New York and LISS – LEAD Integrated Security Solutions in Lagos, Obinali has spent over 16 years mastering the art and science of security operations, crisis response, and risk management. His story reflects a remarkable transition from humble beginnings to global influence.

“I started as a security guard in the United States. Today, I run a multi-state security company in the U.S. and a fast-growing firm in Nigeria,” Obinali shared in a recent interview. “My mission remains clear: To provide reliable, tech-enabled security services that protect people and assets, and build systems that make communities safer.”

A Security Empire Built from the Ground Up

Obinali’s professional journey began in 2008, when he migrated from Nigeria to the United States. With grit and tenacity, he quickly made his mark in the security field, gaining experience with leading firms like Allied Universal, Summit Security, and working on high-risk infrastructure sites such as the MTA East-Side Tunnel Access Project in New York and New Jersey.

In 2017, he launched LEAD Security Group, now one of the most trusted providers of physical protection services in the northeastern U.S., offering 24/7 patrol services across major cities. The company employs over 300 security personnel and was named one of the top patrol service providers in the United States in 2023 for its blend of traditional security solutions with cutting-edge technology.

Back home in Nigeria, Obinali is replicating his American success. His firm LISS is fast becoming a model for private security and consulting in Africa’s most populous nation, aligning international best practices with local needs.

Academic and Professional Credentials

Obinali holds a degree in Business Administration from the City University of New York (CUNY). Notably, he is the only student-alumnus currently serving on the CUNY–Hostos Foundation Board, a role that allows him to support youth empowerment and drive institutional development.

He is also an active member of ASIS International – New York City Chapter, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, through which he fosters international collaboration in security innovation and policy development.

Bridging Continents Through Security Excellence

What sets Obinali apart is not just his technical expertise, but his vision of using security as a tool for social impact. His commitment to bridging the security knowledge gap between developed and developing nations has led to partnerships and training programmes that aim to uplift standards in Africa.

“I believe Africa can lead in security innovation if given the right tools and mindset,” Obinali said. “This is why LISS is more than a company — it’s a platform for training, collaboration, and excellence.”

A Role Model for African Professionals

Obinali’s success story is resonating with many in the African diaspora, particularly young professionals seeking to make their mark globally. His ability to lead in a competitive international market while contributing meaningfully to his home country has earned him admiration and respect.

With eyes now set on expanding into more African cities and further strengthening his technological edge, Ifeanyi Obinali’s journey is far from over.