Following the security challenges confronting Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has lamented the inadequate security personnel in the country.
The Army boss stated that it is unrealistic for two million security personnel to protect a population of over 200 million Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement by the COAS during the 2024 Distinguished Personality lecture in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday.
Represented by the Chief of Army Training, Sanni Mohammed, Lagbaja decried the military’s heavy reliance on imported defence equipment. This, he said, is due to the country’s weak industrial base.
The COAS also expressed concerns over the inadequate funding of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN. Which he said has significantly affected the military’s operational performance.
“In a country of over 200 million people, it is unrealistic to expect security agencies, totaling around two million, including an army of just over 100,000 active personnel without a reserve force, to secure the entire population.
“We import over 90 per cent of our military needs,” he said
He expressed concern that that despite some local production efforts, the country’s dependence on foreign military supplies remains overwhelming.
He noted, “The pursuit of national development alongside national security is a costly endeavour, as defence policy is capital-intensive.
“In 2023, the entire AFN had a budget of about $2.8 billion. With an additional supplementary budget of around one billion dollars. However, not all budgetary allocations were fully released.
“Although funding for the AFN has been improving annually since 2017, the country’s economic downturn has eroded the actual value of what is released.
“The lack of funding affects the AFN’s equipment holdings, which directly impacts performance.”
On how to address the security personnel gap, Lagbaja said: “The considerable resource gap is being exploited by criminal elements.
He, however, said, addressing this requires investment in expanding and strengthening security forces. And also ensuring adequate personnel and resources.
“National security requires all citizens to be part of the security framework, fostering vigilance, trust, and community engagement. This will create a more resilient citizenry, better equipped to respond to national emergencies.”
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole spoke on the need for peace. He stressed the importance of peace and security for sustainable development.
The event was organized by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji. It was held as part of activities marking the United Nations International Day of Peace.
source: Vanguard
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U