The Hidden War Within Nigeria’s Military: Sabotage, Politics, and Stalled Reform

President Bola Tinubu (c)

Nigeria has one of the largest military and police forces in Africa, yet communities across the country continue to face kidnappings, bandit attacks, and extremist violence. People often ask why insecurity keeps growing despite constant government announcements about new troops, new strategies, and new emergency measures. The answer is both simple and troubling. Nigeria is not losing because it lacks soldiers. It is losing because its security system is fighting two wars at the same time: the visible war against armed groups and the hidden war within its own institutions.

This hidden war, marked by sabotage, political interference, and failed reforms, has weakened the nation more than any external enemy could. To understand how to fix the problem, we must first understand where the system is breaking down.

Understanding the Crisis: Why More Troops Will Not Solve the Problem

Nigeria deploys hundreds of thousands of military and police personnel, far more than the armed groups it confronts. Yet violence grows because internal weaknesses block the effectiveness of this vast security workforce.

Insider sabotage, poor leadership structures, and political interference mean that even well-trained officers struggle to operate effectively. When a system is weakened from the inside, its size no longer matters.

The Hidden War Within: Sabotage and Political Interference

Investigations in recent years have revealed shocking cases where weapons meant for the nation’s defense were diverted to criminals and extremist groups. This kind of betrayal puts citizens at risk and destroys the trust needed for any security system to function.

Political interference also undermines security operations. Decisions that should be based on intelligence or field conditions are sometimes shaped by personal interests. Such practices slow down response times, weaken coordination, and block meaningful reform.

A deeper problem lies in the recruitment process. When unqualified individuals are enlisted through political connections, professionalism declines. A strong security system requires competence, not favoritism.

Rebuilding Nigeria’s Security Culture Through Real Reform

Real Nigerian security reform must begin with leadership. The appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defense is a positive step, but success depends on whether the President allows him full operational freedom. Without autonomy, reform cannot take root.

Welfare is another key factor. A soldier who lacks proper equipment, timely pay, or a safe place to sleep cannot fight effectively. Improving morale is not optional; it is essential.

Nigeria must also invest in modern, community-focused policing approaches and technology-driven solutions that offer faster and more accurate intelligence. Local knowledge remains one of the strongest tools in modern security work.

How OSRS Can Help Strengthen National Security

OGUN Security Research and Strategic Consulting LLC (OSRS) offers support to governments, agencies, and private institutions seeking to strengthen security systems. Our services include:

• Independent assessments of security vulnerabilities

• Insider threat detection programs

• Leadership and crisis management training

• Intelligence analysis and doctrine development

• Community-focused safety and early-warning systems

We combine global best practices with local insights to help clients build stronger, more resilient security structures.

Nigeria Needs Leadership, Not More Boots on the Ground

Recruiting more personnel may offer short-term reassurance, but it cannot solve a problem rooted in leadership failures, insider sabotage, and political interference. To build a safer Nigeria, the country must reform the system, not simply expand it.