Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu recently appointed retired Major General Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, placing the veteran military intelligence officer in a strategic role focused on strengthening Nigeria’s internal security system.
The appointment, announced on Monday, has drawn attention to Fadewa’s long military career and his experience in intelligence, counter-terrorism, and strategic security management.
Below are nine key things to know about the retired senior officer.
1. He served over three decades in the Nigerian Army
The retired general is a seasoned military officer with more than 30 years of service in the Nigerian Army, where he built a career largely within intelligence and security operations.
2. He belongs to the Nigerian Army intelligence corps
Fadewa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, one of the military’s key formations responsible for intelligence gathering, analysis, and strategic security operations.
3. He was commissioned in 1990 through the NDA
He became an officer in September 1990 as a member of the 37th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, one of Nigeria’s foremost military training institutions.
4. He holds multiple academic degrees
Beyond military training, Fadewa also pursued higher education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the NDA, a Master of Business Administration from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
5. He occupied several key intelligence positions
During his military career, he held several strategic appointments, including Commander of Counter Intelligence Command, Director of Intelligence Production Centre, and Deputy Director of Technical Development at the Defence Intelligence Agency.
6. He was an instructor in military intelligence
Fadewa also contributed to training future officers as Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army Intelligence School in Lagos, where intelligence personnel receive specialized professional training.
7. He worked closely with the National Security Adviser
Between 2015 and 2021, he reportedly served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser under Babagana Monguno, placing him at the centre of national security planning and inter-agency operations.
8. He has international security training
The retired general attended several prestigious international programmes, including courses at the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States, the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, and the George Marshall Center in Germany.
9. He is a decorated officer
Fadewa received several military honours during his years of service, including the Meritorious Service Star, in recognition of his contributions to national defence and military professionalism.
With his background in intelligence operations, strategic studies, and inter-agency coordination, the retired major general is expected to play a significant role in shaping homeland security policies in the coming years.
