Former Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner, Lawrence Alobi, has raised concerns over what he describes as the growing role of the military in domestic security operations, warning that it is increasingly overshadowing the responsibilities of the police.
Alobi noted in a telephone interview that the trend reflects deeper structural weaknesses within the system, particularly the inability of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively handle rising security demands across the country.
He argued that the military, which is primarily mandated to deal with external threats, is now frequently engaged in internal policing duties, a situation he said indicates overstretch and coordination challenges between security agencies. He maintained that although the armed forces are permitted to support civil authorities when necessary, their growing presence in internal operations suggests a shift beyond their traditional role.
According to him, the effectiveness of the police has been weakened by inadequate manpower, poor funding, low morale, and political interference, all of which he said have contributed to declining professionalism within the force.
Alobi further claimed that welfare issues, including poor remuneration, have negatively affected discipline and operational efficiency, making it difficult for officers to respond promptly to security emergencies.
He stressed that internal security should remain the primary responsibility of the police, calling for increased investment in training, equipment, and intelligence-driven policing. He also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among security agencies to avoid rivalry and improve coordination in tackling crime.
The retired commissioner also encouraged citizens to support security agencies with timely and useful information, noting that effective intelligence gathering is essential for modern crime prevention.
He referenced constitutional provisions to emphasize the shared responsibility of maintaining law and order, while insisting that improved synergy between the public and security institutions is critical to addressing the country’s security challenges.
The situation in the Federal Capital Territory was also implied in his remarks, as he reflected on broader national security concerns affecting urban and rural communities alike.
