77Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), 'General Christopher Musa', has called on the Federal Government to urgently bolster the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as a critical step toward defeating the country's persistent insurgency and broader security threats.
Speaking amid ongoing concerns over the military's heavy involvement in internal security operations, Gen. Musa stressed that the armed forces have been overstretched for far too long. He argued that properly equipping and empowering the police and civil defence would allow them to reclaim their primary role in maintaining civil order, freeing soldiers to concentrate on more specialised counter-insurgency missions in harder-to-reach areas.
"The police and civil defence need to be strengthened significantly," the CDS said. "They are constitutionally positioned to handle internal security matters, and building their strength will create a more balanced and effective response to threats like banditry, kidnapping, and violent extremism."
The appeal comes against a backdrop of widespread insecurity across several regions, where insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements continue to challenge state authority. Analysts have long pointed out that the military's deep engagement in policing duties risks blurring lines between defence and law enforcement, potentially straining civil-military relations.
Gen. Musa's recommendation aligns with broader calls for security sector reform, including better funding, training, and recruitment for paramilitary agencies. Observers believe that shifting more responsibility back to the police and NSCDC could improve community-level intelligence gathering and rapid response, key elements in disrupting criminal networks.
The CDS's statement has reignited debate on how best to restructure Nigeria's security architecture. Many hope the Federal Government will act swiftly on his advice to ease the burden on troops and deliver more sustainable peace to affected communities. As insecurity remains a top national challenge, the push for stronger civilian security institutions is seen as both timely and essential.
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