General Lucky Irabor (Rtd.)
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…As Former CDS Urges Government to Match Security Emergency Declaration with Concrete Action
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (Rtd.), has called for the implementation of state policing, increased funding for security agencies, improved welfare for military personnel and the development of indigenous defence capabilities as part of comprehensive measures to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
Irabor made the call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the First Daily National Dialogue on Security, organised to commemorate the 6th Anniversary Public Lecture of First Daily at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The event, themed “Declaration of State of Emergency on Security: Matching Words with Action,” brought together security experts, policymakers, government officials and other stakeholders to examine practical solutions to Nigeria’s persistent security crisis.
In his address, the retired four-star general described the declaration of a state of emergency on security as an important demonstration of political will but stressed that meaningful progress would depend on translating the declaration into measurable action.
“I believe the emergency on security was a statement of intent. It is necessary to fast-track the work beyond the talk,” he said.
Irabor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, describing the administration’s direction as a positive step after years of mounting security challenges.
He specifically welcomed ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police and plans to expand the Nigerian Army’s divisional structure from eight to twelve divisions, saying such reforms would significantly enhance operational effectiveness if properly implemented.
Calling for greater investment in security institutions, the former Defence Chief urged the Federal Government to adequately fund security agencies in line with the country’s security realities.
“We need to back the security agencies with resources as the emergency demands. Implement state police with world-class standards on the key parameters. Build the military-industrial complex that will reduce our strategic dependency,” he stated.
Irabor also emphasised that military effectiveness depends not only on operational capacity but also on the welfare of personnel serving on the frontlines.
He urged government to prioritise the wellbeing of soldiers and their families by ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, decent accommodation and adequate feeding for families living in military barracks.
According to him, until government gives serious attention to the welfare of Nigeria’s security personnel and their families, the morale of officers risking their lives in defence of the nation cannot be sustained at the level required for maximum commitment.
The former CDS further identified poverty and unemployment as major drivers of insecurity, warning that the growing number of unemployed graduates constitutes a serious national security risk.
He argued that failure to create meaningful employment opportunities and empower young people leaves many vulnerable to criminality, violent extremism and other forms of insecurity.
On defence financing, Irabor criticised what he described as corruption within the security funding system, alleging that although substantial defence budgets are approved annually, only about 30 per cent of the allocated funds are eventually released to security agencies for operational logistics.
He described the situation as a “corruption tax on security,” warning that inadequate release of approved funds continues to weaken operational readiness and the effectiveness of security institutions.
The retired general also cautioned against Nigeria’s heavy reliance on foreign countries for critical security technology, stressing that lasting national security would require substantial investment in indigenous defence production and military technology.
He maintained that no nation can effectively control its security while depending largely on external powers for strategic defence capabilities.
Irabor equally praised serving military and security personnel for their sacrifices and professionalism, urging them to remain steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“Continue to serve with the dignity and commitment that the uniform demands. We are very proud of you. The country is watching, and the people whose safety depends on your professionalism are counting on you,” he said.
He also called on Nigerians to become active participants in safeguarding the nation by supporting security agencies, remaining vigilant and demanding accountability from public institutions.
“This is your country. You must love it. Nigeria’s security is your business. You must play your part, ask questions and demand answers. The war against insecurity is a war that can be won, and it must be won,” Irabor declared.
The First Daily National Dialogue on Security served as the flagship event marking the newspaper’s sixth anniversary, providing a platform for robust national discourse on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through institutional reforms,y adequate funding, improved personnel welfare, indigenous defence capability, economic empowerment and active citizen participation.
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