Prominent human rights advocate, Femi Falana (SAN), has issued a strong call to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action to properly fund and equip Nigeria's armed forces. He asserts that with adequate resources and motivation, the military is fully capable of defeating terrorism and banditry without relying on foreign assistance.
Under-Equipped Forces and Stolen Procurement Funds
Speaking to journalists in his hometown of Ilawe Ekiti on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Falana expressed deep concern over the state of Nigeria's security apparatus. He pointed out the alarming paradox where the nation's formal security forces remain under-equipped, while the "ragtag armies" of terrorists and bandits are often seen brandishing sophisticated weaponry in media reports.
Falana directly linked this deficiency to pervasive corruption, stating that funds earmarked for critical military hardware are routinely stolen. "How do you fight terrorism in an environment where the money budgeted for procurement of arms and ammunition is stolen by well-known criminal elements in the society?" he questioned.
He provided stark examples from the courts to illustrate the systemic failure in holding perpetrators accountable:
- A service chief charged with stealing N22.8 billion was freed because he was not tried before a court-martial, despite the charges being for money laundering, which falls under the Federal High Court's jurisdiction.
- A former governor accused of stealing N6.9 billion from the office of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, was discharged without presenting a defense.
- Other military officers and civilians who allegedly stole about N200 billion meant for arms procurement have been let go, allowing them to enjoy the illicit proceeds.
"The government must put in place a mechanism for the recovery of money meant for procurement of arms and ammunition which has been stolen," Falana insisted. "The recovery is with a view to using the fund for the purpose that they were meant for as a matter of urgency."
Warning Against Foreign Interference and Call for Social Investment
Reacting to the recent US airstrike in Sokoto, Falana issued a stern warning against foreign interference that could inflame religious tensions within Nigeria. He specifically cautioned the government about statements from US President Donald Trump, who framed the intervention as protection for Christians.
"Let the Nigerian government be warned not to allow US President Mr Donald Trump to promote religious war in Nigeria," Falana said. He emphasized that the criminals terrorizing Nigerians are not motivated by religion, and the fight against them must remain unified. "The war against terror in Nigeria must be carried out without any attempt to divide our people along religious and ethnic lines."
Furthermore, Falana argued that lasting security is impossible without addressing its root social causes. He highlighted the direct link between rampant youth unemployment and the drift into criminality.
"So while the government is being pressured to fund, to equip the armed forces and the Nigerian police force, sufficient attention must be paid to youth unemployment," he concluded, invoking the adage that 'the devil finds work for idle hands.'
A Constitutional Duty to Secure Nigeria
Falana firmly placed the responsibility for national security on the Nigerian government, as mandated by the constitution. He expressed confidence in the state's inherent capability, dismissing any notion of inherent incompetence.
"If you equip your armed forces and motivate the members, Nigeria can fight terrorism and banditry without the intervention of any country," he declared. "To secure Nigeria is not the business of any foreign nation, it is the duty of the government under the constitution and that duty must be carried out by the government."
He ended with a call to civic action, urging Nigerians who understand where the problems lie to compel the government to fulfill its fundamental legal responsibility of protecting lives and property.
