A security expert and Managing Director of Aqualine Intelligence and Defence Consulting, Onyekachi Adekoya, has cautioned that Nigeria’s military, though properly trained, is seriously limited by a lack of essential equipment.
He made this observation during an end-of-year programme that reviewed national developments in politics, security, and the economy, noting that the harsh realities faced by troops are often hidden from public view.
According to him, Nigerian soldiers frequently operate under extremely challenging conditions. He explained that security agencies rarely admit to equipment shortages, even though the situation on the ground tells a different story.
“The military is trained. The police will not come and tell you that they do not have equipment, but the truth is that they do not have equipment. As it stands today, these guys are magicians; they will not tell you what they are going through,” he said.
Adekoya referenced a recent security operation in Kebbi State following the abduction of schoolgirls, where troops reportedly withdrew tactically. He described the move as a wise decision given the circumstances.
“It was in Kebbi. There was a tactical withdrawal, which was the sensible thing to do. We do not understand convoy protection. You send a team out on a fighting patrol; first, they are fighting blind, and next, they are fighting unprotected,” Adekoya stated.
He further argued that Nigeria’s defence difficulties are largely tied to the absence of a clear national security programme focused on developing local capacity.
“All of this is about creating a programme. If you had a programme, it would tell you that we need local industry and that we need to auction some of our defence capabilities. If you do not have a thriving local defence industry, you cannot be the giant of Africa; you cannot be importing everything,” he said.
Adekoya also criticised the structure and operational approach of the Office of the National Security Adviser, identifying it as a major weakness in the country’s security framework.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser is one of the big problems that we have in Nigeria. That office should not have command. It should be a policy-led office, not a command function in any shape or form,” he said.
He explained that the office should focus on advising the President on security matters and developing a national security programme that aligns all security agencies.
“It is from there that the President should be given the best possible advice on national security, creating a national security programme that works for the country, so the different arms of security and agencies can key into the overarching framework,” Adekoya added.
Referring to the law that established the office, he said its role has gone beyond its original mandate.
“The 1986 Act that establishes the National Security Adviser’s office says it shall be a security adviser and aide to the President and coordinate, not command, the NIA, the DMI, and the DSS only. What we have today is that the National Counter Terrorism Centre sits with the ONSA alongside other command elements,” he said.
He rejected claims that Nigeria lacks intelligence capacity, insisting that the country has several intelligence bodies that only need better coordination and strategic direction.
Adekoya listed agencies such as the Department of State Services, the police intelligence directorate, Defence Military Intelligence, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as proof that intelligence structures exist but are not being optimally utilised.
