By By Elizabeth Ugbo
ABUJA — The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, urged the immediate strengthening of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning that the armed forces lack sufficient manpower to sustain long-term security gains against insurgency and banditry across the country. He made the call during the 2025 budget appraisal and defence of the 2026 budget proposal, stressing the need for a coordinated transition from military-led operations to internal security agencies.
General Oluyede explained that although the armed forces have recorded significant successes in clearing criminal enclaves nationwide, the inability of adequately equipped police and civil defence personnel to hold recovered territories continues to undermine progress.
“The Armed Forces can clear areas, but we do not have the numbers to remain everywhere indefinitely. If the police and civil defence are properly strengthened, they can hold and secure these areas and prevent criminal elements from re-emerging,” he said.
The CDS noted that the police and NSCDC possess larger personnel strength and deeper community presence than the military, making them better positioned for post-conflict stabilisation and internal security enforcement.
Providing an update on the security situation, Oluyede disclosed that special forces deployments were being finalised for Kwara State and parts of Niger State following a recent spike in insecurity. He announced that a new Joint Task Force, code-named Operation Savannah Shield, would soon be inaugurated to oversee operations in the affected areas.
“We are pulling resources from other theatres to strengthen this operation and improve security in Kwara and parts of Niger,” he stated.
He further revealed that additional special forces had already been deployed to Benue and Plateau states as part of renewed efforts to tackle violent groups in the Middle Belt. According to him, military operations are increasingly targeting insurgents’ hideouts directly.
“As we speak, the situation has improved significantly in the North-East. However, we still face serious challenges in the North-West and parts of the North-Central, including Benue, Plateau and Kwara. We are evolving modalities to address these threats within the resources available to us,” Oluyede added.
The CDS also disclosed that Nigeria is strengthening intelligence-sharing arrangements with allied countries to bridge operational gaps while safeguarding national sovereignty.
“Our partners have been quite helpful, particularly in intelligence. But we are careful to ensure these collaborations align with the directives of Mr President and do not compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said.
source:vanguard
