In a recent interview shared by Channels Television, Obafemi George offered insight into Nigeria’s security challenges, focusing on the structural and operational gaps within the nation’s defense system.
He stated during the programme that, “The Nigerian Army was not trained to be fighting Boko Haram; they were trained to fight external aggression.” George explained that the country’s security architecture was originally designed with a clear distinction between internal and external threats. He noted that the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, was historically structured and trained to defend the nation’s territorial integrity against foreign aggression rather than handle prolonged internal conflicts.
According to him, the rise of insurgency and asymmetric warfare, especially in the Northeast, has forced the military into roles that differ significantly from its foundational training. This shift, he argued, has contributed to operational strain and challenges in effectively addressing insurgent activities.
George further emphasized the need to strengthen other components of the security system, particularly the police, to better handle internal security responsibilities. He maintained that a well-structured and adequately empowered policing system would complement the military’s efforts and improve overall national security outcomes.
He concluded by stressing that addressing insecurity requires both institutional reforms and a clearer alignment of roles among Nigeria’s security agencies.