The Executive Director of the Sustainable Initiative for Nurturing Growth (SING), Mercy Ehi Idris-Etanami, has urged the newly established Office of Homeland Security to place the protection of Nigerians at the centre of its operations by strengthening intelligence gathering, improving coordination among security agencies, and ensuring swift responses to security threats across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Idris-Etanami commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Office of Homeland Security and appointing retired Major General Adeyinka Famadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, describing the move as a strategic and timely intervention aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s internal security structure.
President Tinubu had announced Famadewa’s appointment on May 12, 2026, noting that the decision reflected his administration’s determination to improve national security coordination, enhance intelligence-based operations, and deepen collaboration among security institutions in tackling emerging threats nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Idris-Etanami stated that the establishment of the office signalled a major shift towards a more centralised and intelligence-driven approach to managing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
According to her, the increasing threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and other criminal activities now require stronger collaboration and faster information exchange among security agencies to prevent attacks before they escalate.
She explained that insecurity in Nigeria has become more complex because criminal networks now operate across multiple states and often exploit gaps between security agencies. She stressed that the new office must focus on eliminating duplication of duties, improving operational efficiency, and creating a coordinated framework capable of responding quickly to credible intelligence.
Idris-Etanami further noted that transparency, timely intelligence sharing, and decisive action would determine the success of the new office, adding that Nigerians expect visible improvements in safety and security under the new arrangement.
She also expressed confidence that the initiative could significantly improve the country’s ability to anticipate threats, prevent attacks, and protect lives and livelihoods if properly implemented.
The SING Executive Director maintained that the creation of the Homeland Security Office demonstrates a growing recognition by the Federal Government that security challenges can no longer be addressed through isolated efforts by individual agencies.
She added that effective inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-led operations are now essential in confronting modern security threats affecting communities across the country.
Idris-Etanami ultimately urged the new Homeland Security Adviser to prioritise the welfare and safety of citizens above all else, while ensuring that security institutions work together seamlessly in protecting the nation from both existing and emerging threats.
