Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has warned that the increasing deployment of soldiers for internal security duties across the country is weakening the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and other civilian security agencies, even though it provides short-term stability.
Military personnel are currently deployed across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, in support of internal security operations.
Buratai made this observation on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day lecture in Abuja.
He said the widespread presence of soldiers across Nigeria’s 36 states is gradually eroding the growth and effectiveness of the police and internal intelligence institutions that should ordinarily take the lead in internal security operations.
“The extensive deployment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in internal security provides immediate stability, but it also perpetuates a cycle of dependency that weakens civil police capacity and strains defence resources,” Buratai said.
According to him, the situation has created a dangerous imbalance in which the military is overstretched, defence budgets are diverted to routine policing duties, and the Armed Forces’ preparedness for conventional threats is reduced.
Buratai noted that constitutionally, the primary responsibilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria include defending the nation against external aggression, protecting territorial integrity, suppressing insurrection and providing aid to civil authorities when required.
However, he stressed that internal security should fundamentally be civilian-led and intelligence-driven, with the police and state security services in the forefront.
“Internal security, more or less, should be civil-driven and intelligence-driven by the state intelligence services and the police, essentially,” he said.
He warned that developmental and internal security roles must not permanently replace the military’s core responsibility of defending the country against external threats.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains a vital force for national development and stability, but its expanded internal role must not compromise its core mandate or weaken civilian institutions,” Buratai said.
The former army chief called for a clear, time-bound and conditions-based exit strategy that would gradually return internal security responsibilities to civilian authorities, while preserving the military’s readiness for its primary mandate.
He added that Nigeria’s long-term security and democratic stability depend on strong, well-equipped police and intelligence services, with the military reserved for exceptional situations.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, called for a coordinated crackdown on the use of local transportation systems by criminal networks to move weapons, drugs and other illicit materials across the country.
Musa said addressing the challenge requires the involvement of local governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members, describing security as a shared responsibility that goes beyond the armed forces.
“Security is a shared responsibility. Local governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and communities all have critical roles to play. We must work together to disrupt criminal networks that exploit local transportation systems to move weapons, drugs and illicit materials across our borders. Effective community engagement remains essential to long-term security,” he said.
Speaking further, the defence minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a stronger, more self-reliant and professional Nigerian Armed Forces, noting that the Ministry of Defence is strengthening troop welfare, training, doctrine and indigenous defence production.
According to him, Nigeria is making steady progress in developing locally manufactured defence equipment, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while boosting the country’s defence industrial base and job creation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria develops sustainable, long-term defence capabilities while reducing dependence on external sources. In line with this vision, the revitalisation of indigenous defence industries has gained renewed momentum. Policy reforms and legislative frameworks are opening new avenues for private sector participation, stimulating job creation, deepening local content, and driving innovation.
“Today, we are witnessing the emergence of more self-reliant, transparent and technology-driven defence systems. Locally manufactured defence equipment and platforms now demonstrate the growing strength of our defence industrial base and its contribution to regional security.
“By integrating technology with local expertise, we are deliberately transforming defence into a driver of industrial growth, economic development and national resilience.”
Musa also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and personnel of the Armed Forces for their professionalism and sacrifices, assuring Nigerians of the military’s resolve.
“Our Armed Forces have the capacity, the will and the resolve to defeat enemies of the state and safeguard our people. In the maritime domain, enhanced naval operations and improved maritime domain awareness have curtailed criminal activities, protected critical national assets, and contributed to increased offshore productivity,” he said.
The minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of persistent security threats posed by armed groups, bandits and criminal networks exploiting informal transport routes to move fighters, weapons and illicit goods across states and borders.
