Getso: Replacing Service Chiefs Not the Solution to Nigeria’s Insecurity

Dr. Yahuza Getso, a security intelligence and investigative specialist, has stated that unless underlying structural issues are resolved, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent move to relieve the former military chiefs of their responsibilities will not end Nigerian insecurity.

Dr. Getso said that such replacements take occur in accordance with the regulations governing military appointments in an exclusive interview on Sunday, characterizing the dismissal as typical and expected.

He emphasized, though, that the action by itself won’t address the nation’s security issues.

“Well, firing or relieving service chiefs is nothing new. They can either be released or renewed after serving for a minimum of two years, he stated.

“This change merely gives the older officers time to relax and allows the younger ones to grow.” It has no unique or tribal connotations. The President is free to act whenever it is most convenient for him. The president’s motivation is truly unknown, but only time will tell.

However, Dr. Getso cautioned that security cannot be automatically improved by just switching service chiefs.

“It can’t affect anything. The best course of action is not to replace the service chiefs. We are aware of the true issue, which has nothing to do with who holds the post.

He praised the departing Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, calling them some of Nigeria’s most approachable and transparent leaders in recent years.

“In my opinion, they have done an amazing and fantastic job,” Dr. Getso remarked.

“Every Nigerian should applaud them. They never changed their phone numbers from the beginning of their business, and they were willing to listen to anyone, including journalists. They continued to be reachable and accommodating.

He pointed out that the Nigerian military advanced under their direction in a number of operational domains, including combating IPOB in the South East, Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry in the North West, and criminal activity in the South-South and South West.

With increased technical innovation, they revolutionized military operations. Even though they might not have been completely successful, they did their best in the circumstances.

Dr. Getso acknowledged their efforts but maintained that unless corruption is seriously addressed and government institutions, especially the judiciary, legislature, and executive branch, are transformed to promote accountability, insecurity in Nigeria will continue.

According to Dr. Getso, “changing service chiefs won’t get us anywhere because what matters is not just the capacity or weapons.”

Do we possess the necessary political will? Do the service chiefs work in a supportive environment? Do we actually combat corruption? Many of our political office holders lack integrity and honesty, and our court is corrupt. Were they only anointed or were they actually elected? We won’t stop lying to ourselves and feeling insecure until we address these issues and hold leaders responsible.

He cautioned, “Count the new service chiefs as failures if corruption is not fought practically.”

“The new chiefs cannot succeed if there is no supportive atmosphere, if people are not held accountable, and if corruption persists within the government institutions and security agency hierarchy. They’re not magicians.

He added that some leaders in Nigeria are purposefully maintaining the country’s insecurity for their own benefit.

“In Nigeria, we are lying to ourselves,” he declared.

“Some people are using insecurity to further their political objectives. Insecurity will keep growing until we are honest and prepared to combat corruption and repair our crooked courts.

Getso addressed his ideas for the future, stressing the importance of accountability, authenticity, and a community-driven strategy.

He clarified, “The way forward is to hold people accountable, reach out to the criminals where they are, and fix our judicial system.”

“We need to enhance the welfare of security personnel, improve technological operations, and involve young people in community-based monitoring and intelligence sharing.”

He continued by saying that while eradicating internal corruption, the government must also concentrate on performance-based evaluations and monitoring throughout security institutions.

“Appointing new service chiefs is not the only path ahead. We need to combat corruption in real life, not only on paper. Since our judiciary is already corrupt, it needs to be repaired. The government should enhance the welfare of military and paramilitary members and use technology to update operational techniques. Additionally, we require a community-driven strategy that increases citizen-security agency communication and involves youth in information collecting. Above all, to establish an atmosphere in which security agencies can genuinely thrive, there must be responsibility, appropriate oversight, and genuine cooperation between the administrative, legislative, and judicial branches.

“We can’t move forward without sincerity from the leaders and citizens, and without a practical fight against corruption,” he said in closing.