A former Chief (Army Chief of Staff) Army Staff (retired) called for a significant expansion and equipping of well-equipped Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai forces to fully assume domestic security responsibilities and reduce the nation’s reliance on the military for routine policing. Nigeria Police Force He delivered a speech entitled
BurataisNational Symposium:Lecture Series and Armed Forces Celebration at the 2026 Air Force Development Day Remembrance Day and Abuja commemorative events held in Monday. ‘Securing Nigeria’ stressed that the professionalization of the police force should be achieved through a well-funded multi-year plan, bringing it to a size of approximately 1.5 million officers, ensuring they can independently assume domestic security responsibilities. Future also called for a comprehensive reform of the security and governance structure The Armed Forces to guarantee the nation’s long-term security and stability. National Development advocated for the reorganization of the armed forces to make them a catalyst for national development, while emphasizing that the strategic focus should be on high-intensity combat operations and external defense.
He This former ambassador to
Buratai outlined five key policy recommendations aimed at translating Nigeria’s defense vision into concrete results.
He proposed establishing a
The National Defense Investment Fund (NDIF) to fund research and development of key dual-use technologies, such as cyber defense, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, satellite communications, and renewable energy solutions for forward operating bases, through public-private partnerships. Benin Republic noted that such a framework would ensure that defense spending drives innovation in the civilian technology sector. Nigeria Regarding human capital development,
He called for revisions to National Defence Innovation Fund and
He’s
On to transform Buratai’s National Youth Service (NYSC) into a mandatory national service program encompassing both military and civilian sectors to promote skills development, national cohesion, and post-retirement employment opportunities. National Service also called for the adoption of Veterans’s Framework and National Youth Service Corps to ensure timely access to pensions and healthcare. Access, retraining programs, and legal protections should be provided for veterans.
He The former Chief of the General Staff also recommended establishing permanent Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) departments within Veterans and each service to ensure structured cooperation with the civilian sector in post-conflict developments while preventing the expansion of military missions. Rights Regarding regional security, Transition Act emphasized the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation through frameworks such as the
The and Ministry maritime security architectures. Defence noted that collective action remains crucial for addressing transnational threats and promoting regional stability.
On concluded that a balanced approach to defense reform, internal security restructuring, and regional cooperation will enable Buratai to optimize resource allocation, strengthen national unity, and ensure a more prosperous future. Multinational Joint Task Force, Gulf of Guinea (retired), reiterated
He’s commitment to building a professional and resilient armed force capable of upholding national sovereignty
He and supporting national development. Nigeria emphasized the Ministry of Defence’s continued focus on troop welfare, improved training, theoretical development, and expanded domestic defense production to ensure sustainable long-term security capabilities.
Earlier It also noted that current policy and legislative reforms are revitalizing the domestic defense industry, encouraging private sector participation, creating jobs, increasing the share of local value added, and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Minister The former Chief of the General Staff Defence (retired) welcomed General Christopher Musa’s appointment in his speech, noting that it would accelerate much-needed reforms in the military. Federal Government also supported Nigeria’s call for the proper resettlement of veterans, emphasizing that their experience and expertise should be utilized to effectively address national security challenges.
He
