Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja Highlights Security Challenges in Nigeria

 

Lagbaja, Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, has expressed concerns about the country’s security situation, stating it is unrealistic to expect two million security personnel to adequately protect over 200 million citizens. He made these remarks during the 2024 Distinguished Personality Lecture held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Lagbaja pointed out that with a total of around two million security personnel, including just over 100,000 active army members, it is impossible to ensure the safety of the entire population. He emphasized the need for better resources and support for the security agencies to meet these challenges.

Represented by Sanni Mohammed, the Chief of Army Training, Lagbaja also addressed Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported military equipment, noting that over 90 percent of the country’s defense needs are sourced from abroad. He acknowledged that despite efforts to boost local production, Nigeria still heavily depends on foreign military supplies due to a weak industrial base.

In addition, Lagbaja raised concerns about the inadequate funding for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), which he said significantly impacts their effectiveness. He explained that national security efforts are costly and that the defense budget for 2023 was approximately $2.8 billion, with a supplementary budget of around $1 billion. However, he noted that not all allocated funds were fully released, and the economic downturn has reduced the actual value of what is available. This lack of funding affects the equipment and capabilities of the AFN, ultimately impacting performance.

Lagbaja highlighted that the resource gap within the security forces makes them vulnerable to exploitation by criminals. He called for investment in expanding and strengthening the security forces to ensure they have enough personnel and resources to effectively combat crime.

Furthermore, the army chief emphasized the role of citizens in national security efforts, urging everyone to participate in creating a safer environment. He stated, "National security requires all citizens to be part of the security framework, fostering vigilance, trust, and community engagement." By doing so, he believes the country can develop a more resilient population capable of responding effectively to national emergencies.