Abbas Pushes Military Overhaul Amid Rising Insecurity

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has declared that Nigeria can no longer rely on outdated security frameworks as the nation battles a growing wave of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and maritime threats.

Opening a two-day public hearing on key defence bills at the National Assembly on Monday, Abbas said the proposed legislations are designed to transform the Armed Forces into a stronger, more modern and future-ready force capable of confronting 21st-century security challenges.

Painting a grim picture of the nation’s security landscape, the Speaker warned that Nigeria’s military is under immense pressure as it fights insurgents in the North-East, bandits in the North-West, farmer-herder conflicts in the North-Central and separatist agitations in the South-East.

According to him, emerging threats such as cyber warfare, organised crime networks and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea have further complicated the security environment, making comprehensive military reforms unavoidable.

“The old ways have not fully worked. We must be open to legislative innovations,” Abbas declared.

He stressed that the public hearing was not a ceremonial exercise but a crucial opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s defence architecture through broad stakeholder participation and practical solutions.

Among the major proposals before lawmakers is a bill seeking to establish Armed Forces Farms and Ranches, a move aimed at boosting food security while supporting military operations in conflict-affected farming communities.

Other bills seek to increase gender representation within the Armed Forces, overhaul existing military laws through a proposed Nigerian Military Force Bill, strengthen veterans’ welfare and improve military education, doctrine and medical services.

Abbas assured stakeholders that all submissions and recommendations would be carefully considered, urging military personnel, veterans, civil society groups, legal experts and ordinary Nigerians to contribute ideas that could strengthen national security.

He also paid tribute to soldiers serving on the frontlines across the country, saying they deserve laws that better support their welfare, professionalism and operational effectiveness.

“We owe them a military system that is fit for purpose in the 21st century,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, described the hearing as a critical democratic process that would help shape laws affecting Nigeria’s security future.

Benson noted that the proposed bills cover strategic areas including military training, operational effectiveness, healthcare support, strategic research, veterans’ welfare, military governance reforms, food security initiatives and inclusiveness within the Armed Forces.

He warned that as security threats continue to evolve from terrorism and insurgency to cybercrime and transnational criminal networks Nigeria’s legal and institutional defence frameworks must evolve with them.

Calling for patriotism and constructive engagement, Benson urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to help craft legislation capable of building a stronger, more professional and future-ready military.

The two-day hearing is expected to attract contributions from the Armed Forces, security agencies, government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, academics, veterans and members of the public as lawmakers seek to redefine Nigeria’s defence landscape.