A former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, has identified poor welfare for military personnel and inadequate equipment as major factors undermining efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
Irabor made the remarks while speaking at the **2026 First Daily National Dialogue on Insecurity** in Abuja, where security experts and stakeholders gathered to discuss solutions to the country’s growing security challenges.
The retired military chief said the effectiveness of the Armed Forces largely depends on the welfare of its personnel and the availability of modern equipment needed to confront evolving security threats.
According to him, troops operating on the frontlines require adequate motivation, improved welfare packages and access to modern combat platforms to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Irabor stressed that addressing insecurity requires sustained investment in the military, noting that well-equipped and well-motivated personnel are better positioned to respond to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of service personnel while ensuring the Armed Forces are provided with the equipment and logistics necessary to enhance operational effectiveness.
The former defence chief also urged policymakers to adopt a comprehensive approach to national security by strengthening the capacity of security institutions and providing the resources needed to safeguard lives and property across the country.