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A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, stated on Monday that the growing involvement of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel in internal security is diminishing the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force and other civilian security organizations.

Buratai, a former Lieutenant-General, made these remarks at the National Defence College in Abuja during his keynote speech at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day lecture.

As he stated, the military’s broad presence throughout Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is slowly undermining the development and efficiency of the police and internal intelligence agencies that are meant to oversee internal security.

A former senior military official stated, ‘The wide-scale involvement of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in internal security brings about immediate stability, yet it also creates a pattern of reliance that undermines the strength of civilian police and puts pressure on military resources.’

He also pointed out that the outcome is a hazardous imbalance, causing the military to be overburdened and leading to defense budgets being redirected toward regular policing tasks, thereby diminishing the Armed Forces’ readiness for traditional threats.

Buratai pointed out that, according to the constitution, the main responsibilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces include defending the country from outside threats, safeguarding national territory, quelling uprisings, and offering support to civilian authorities when necessary.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that internal security should essentially be driven by civilians and guided by intelligence, with the police and state security agencies taking the lead.

He advocated for a distinct, time-limited, and condition-dependent plan to withdraw that would progressively transfer internal security duties back to civil authorities while maintaining the military’s preparedness for its primary mission.

The previous Army leader stated that Nigeria’s long-term security and democratic stability rely on robust, properly funded police and intelligence agencies, with the military used only in extraordinary circumstances.

Previously, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), urged a unified effort to combat the misuse of local transport systems by criminal groups for transporting weapons, drugs, and other illegal items throughout the nation.

Musa stated that addressing the issue necessitates the participation of local authorities, customary leaders, religious figures, and residents, emphasizing that security is a collective duty that extends beyond the military.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).