An X user, Mahdi Shehu, took to his official handle to drop a thought-provoking post titled CLASH OF THE TITANS: Professionals Who Guard Their Professions Jealously Will Stand Their Ground Before Anyone. His message alludes to a looming confrontation between two of Nigeria’s key security figures and hints at the intricacies of intelligence handling in the current administration.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic movie Clash of the Titans, Shehu compares the situation to the epic battle between Hades and Perseus, a duel rooted in the complex concepts of fate, destiny, loyalty, and family. Much like these mythical characters, Shehu argues that Nigeria’s security landscape is witnessing a clash of ideologies, between professionalism and political maneuvering.
Across the world, leaders—regardless of the system they operate within—rely heavily on daily security reports. These reports guide their decisions, helping them navigate the evolving dynamics of governance. Of all intelligence sources, secret services, particularly in democratic settings, are prized for their depth, impartiality, and the breadth of information they provide. These reports allow leaders to make informed decisions, devoid of delusion or misinformation.
However, in recent times, reports from Shehu’s “vineyard” suggest that two “titans” within Nigeria’s security apparatus are on a potential collision course. The individuals in question are the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
At the heart of the matter is a fundamental divide: one is a thorough, seasoned professional, trained to use silence as a tactical tool. The other is perceived as a “diluted professional,” vocal and ever-present, whose judgment is clouded by political calculations and ambitions. This alleged rivalry is building tension within Nigeria’s security circles, as the NSA’s office, traditionally the clearinghouse for all intelligence reports, is rumored to be sidelining or watering down critical reports for undisclosed reasons.
The crux of the allegations is that important security reports are either ignored, diluted, or dismissed due to “naive and myopic considerations.” This has left professionals within the security apparatus frustrated, as their unfiltered intelligence is not reaching the highest levels of leadership. In response, it is speculated that some security operatives may bypass protocol to ensure their reports are heard, acting in the public interest and to protect their professional integrity.
If these allegations hold water, President Bola Tinubu may soon face a critical choice: to side with seasoned, impartial professionals whose experience in the field is unbroken, or to align with individuals whose political ambitions and personal agendas may cloud their judgment.
Shehu’s post also sends a stark reminder to the President—particularly regarding the insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Despite the high-profile appointments of figures like Badaru, Matawalle, Mohammed, and the Chief of Army Staff, Northern Nigeria remains under siege. Shehu implies that these appointments, while seemingly generous to the region, have done little to alleviate its security woes, and Tinubu’s apparent indifference could have severe consequences.
The clash of these security titans, if not addressed swiftly, could further complicate Nigeria’s already precarious security landscape, leaving the President with a critical decision that could shape the nation’s future.
PIONEER NEWS 