Lieutenant‑General Olufemi Oluyede, the new nominee for Chief of Defence Staff, told the Senate on Wednesday that insufficient funding continues to undermine Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and other security threats.
Drawing on over 30 years of military experience, Oluyede highlighted that while progress had been made in certain areas, sustainable financing is crucial to maintain momentum in counter‑terrorism operations.
Oluyede called on the federal government to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force so it can handle more internal security responsibilities. He stressed that many roles currently carried out by the military should rightfully belong to the police, allowing the army to focus on external defence and counter‑terrorism operations.
He also raised concerns about excessive reliance on imported military equipment, urging investment in local production to ensure sustainability and cost‑effectiveness. Oluyede argued that developing domestic capacity in defence manufacturing is vital for long‑term security planning.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Oluyede’s career, describing him as “a field officer who leads from the front” and emphasising that his operational experience would be valuable in tackling the country’s security challenges.
In his address, Oluyede appealed to lawmakers to pass legislation that facilitates better sharing of sensitive security information and enhances collaboration among security agencies. He argued that a coordinated, whole‑of‑society approach is essential for national safety.
