Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has called on every Nigerian to take an active role in securing the nation.
Speaking at the 2024 distinguished personality lecture organized by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, Lagbaja emphasized that relying solely on security agencies is unrealistic.
Lagbaja stated that with Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, it is impractical for about 2 million security personnel to protect everyone.
“There is an erroneous belief that security is to be provided exclusively by the security agencies,” he said.
He warned that this mindset has led to public apathy, where citizens only feel concerned when their safety is threatened.
The COAS expressed deep concern about the under-resourcing of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
He said, “The Nigerian Army, along with other security agencies, is under-resourced.”
This statement raises questions about the effectiveness of the current security framework in Nigeria.
Lagbaja pointed out the stark contrast between the population and the number of security personnel.
With a military force of just over 100,000 active personnel, the numbers highlight a critical gap in security provision.
“It is unrealistic for security operatives totalling around 2 million to secure the entire population,” he stressed.
During his lecture, Lagbaja identified four main challenges that hinder the Army’s optimal performance:
1. Inadequate Funding: Insufficient financial resources limit the Army’s ability to operate effectively.
2. Inadequate Manpower: A shortage of personnel hampers the Army’s capability to respond to security threats.
3. Lack of Industrial Base: Without a solid industrial foundation, the Army struggles to maintain equipment and supplies.
4. Poor Understanding of Security: Lagbaja noted that many Nigerians do not fully grasp the complexities of national security.
The COAS mentioned that the Federal Government is committed to recruiting more personnel for the Army.
“This is part of our promise to bolster the security forces,” he said, reinforcing the government’s dedication to addressing these issues.
The Importance of Public Engagement
Lagbaja urged Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility.
He stated, “Citizens must become more involved in their own security.”
This message aligns with global trends where community engagement plays a crucial role in effective policing and safety.
Nigeria has faced numerous security challenges over the years, including terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.
These issues have strained the already limited resources of security agencies, making the COAS’s call for collective effort even more pressing.
